I want to DIY.. some questions please!

[Tenson]

Though it's theoretically possible to get away without end-machining with rotating nuts I wouldn't advice is as the surface area of the screw in contact at the clamp will be very small.

I thought about that too, but it seems easy to overcome. Double-nut the end of it or pot the thread then clamp. I hate waiting for long deliveries so I'd probably get it from Zapp!

Yep I can do any size, that's what I'm using:



If you want 2510, although I think you'll be fine with 1610, you'd be much better off getting it from linearmotionbearings2008 on eBay. He sells 1605,1610,2005,2505 and 2510.

This is the version I did which is suitable for 16mm or 20mm screws:

The bracket on the right of the picture (and in the final picture) looks good for me as I'd want to mount it under the gantry. If you think 1610 will be enough then lets go for that, though the saving seems small (about £15 each screw).

I've started ordering some parts. My plan is to make the Z axis first, then the X and then finally make the machine frame and Y axis. I ordered a 2.2Kw spindle, 250mm ballscrew and some rail and bearings. I'll then make some 10mm plates to hold it all together.