Hi Geoff,

I see some issues that will definitely affect it's ability to cut steel and will also affect performance in Aluminium.?

The tall gantry won't be any where near strong enough.!! While it's sat directly on the bearings the what looks like 45x45 uprights just won't handle the forces steel and aluminium will put on it.

The un-supported rails on the Z axis and to be honest the whole z axis design just won't be upto the job of steel or Ali.!

Don't know if your planning on putting any braces across the frame to support the bed.? But again to cut any hard material then extra support will be required.

Please don't take my comments has pulling the machine down just comments based on quite extensive work building router based machines that can cut hard materials and still give an acceptable quality.! . . . . The thing you and others should be aware of is that router based machines can never cut steel or aluminium like dedicated milling machines can.!!

Wish you luck and keep the designs coming.