3 Axis CNC router

[JoeHarris]

OK, so I'm getting the hang of this welding business and selling all of my possessions to afford the steel!

here are some images of the steel frame design so far:

It consists of
1no. 6000 x 50 x 50 x 3mm SHS for the bed
2no. 6000 x 100 x 50 x 3mm RHS for the legs and cross members
1no. 6000 x 75 x 50 x 3mm RHS for the bearings and ball screws to mount to
1no. 6000 x 60 x 6mm flat for the plates and cross bracing
1no. 3000 x 60 x 6mm flat for the plates and cross bracing
1no. 1500 x 60 x 60 x 6 RSA for the brackets

Now all seems fine till I cost the sucker up and it comes in at (Internet price) £460 - a little over what I was hoping!

Now I reckon I can get this down by going to a local supplier, but not by a lot.

The other idea is to take the 100 x 50 x 3 box section down to 50 x 50 x 4 which will save about £60. I cant think of any other ideas. Do you think the loss in section size will be offset by the increased weight?

maybe i'm over designing the whole thing and it could all come down in size?? I know Jazz has mentioned somewhere that skimping on the frame is a bad idea due to resonance issues - but how far do you go? I mean I'm not casting it as one lump of iron!

One other thing. I am welding plates onto the end of most box sections and then bolting together so as to allow for a bit of adjustment, and I'm not planning on welding the RHS's that take the bearings / ball screws so as to limit heat distortion. Trust this is a smart move?!

Cheers

Joe