I want to DIY.. some questions please!

[Jonathan]

I got the spindle today actually :) I was unsure if I should get the 1.5Kw or 2.2Kw motor, but decided to go for 2.2Kw firstly because it was available from CNC4U at the same price as Chinese sellers, and also because I don't want to limit my cutting speed for the sake of £100.

You made the right choice, but for the wrong reason! The main reason to get the 2.2KW spindle is that it takes ER20 collets which hold up to 13mm (i.e. 1/2") cutters, whereas the 1.5KW spindles are limited to ER11 which is only 7mm. I'm surprised CNC4YOU was cheaper than china - did that include the VFD?

So what are you doing for a water-pump, and does it need a radiator to cool the water? If so, I thought I might run the water through one of the alu extrusions.

Just get a generic brushless submersible pump, something like this one:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Water-Pump...ht_2757wt_1037

(seach around - you'll find cheaper ones)

No need for a radiator since if you have a decent volume of water the natural heat conduction to the atmosphere is sufficient. Just find a good size (20L ish) tank and ideally use de-ionised water with antifreeze.

By the way, Mr. ZappAutomation, please don't....

What did you get from Zapp?

Fudge me, that's a big motor!! I hope my Z-axis can cope with 16mm rails and ballscrew.

It will if done right - do post the drawing first.