3 Axis CNC router

[JAZZCNC]

Hi Jazz,

So your small design above doesn't have a back piece on the Z axis assembly, but has side panels to give strength to the joints?

Yes doesn't have back piece because it add's no strength just weight. The Panels you refer to are not for strength, thou they do slightly add some. It's purely a Cover to protect the whole Z axis assembly from dust and crap. It's very affective and neat.

The 90Deg joints are perfectly strong enough for any type of work upto and including machining aluminium.!

Regards rail location then it's a personal choice and also partly machine design related. Me personally I prefer to keep things stout and compact and gain maximum real estate. But if you need clearence for ballscrews etc at the front then putting rails on the front allows this and keeps it stiff. Each way has it's own Plus's & minus's. Both work equally well so take your pick.!!