I want to DIY.. some questions please!

[Jonathan]

Thanks Jonathan. I saw you used steel box section for the frame of your machine. Trouble is I can't weld! I only have a gas bottle torch for doing a bit of plumbing, and I have little experience with it.

That frame was the first welding I had done. Practices on some scrap first that's all...

Digressing just a little.

As steel is more suitable and lower cost than ali profile why don't we see more low end commercial machines made from it? ... Assembly and finishing costs? Weight? The price of paint? Or have we all become victims of the profile looks sexy fashion cult?

I reckon it's because it looks fancy and most 'hobby' machine manufacturers are either too lazy or don't know better. They'll probably argue it saves a lot on labour. I got round the price of paint by not painting it - machine not art.