Oh crumbs. Here we go!

[WandrinAndy]

Incidentally can anyone clarify the axis's? I've seen so many different ways of representaion of X Y and Z. The Z is obvious, but does the Z connect to the X or Y axis? I assume that from the front of the machine the X axis moves the Z along the gantry from left to right as you look at it, and the Y axis moves the gantry closer or further away from you as you look at it. (Thought this should be a fundamental that I need to get right at the start ;) )....

Z connects to Y which connects to X.

X = Bed/Base of the machine
Y = Across the Gantry
Z = Vertical Slide

Some folk swap X and Y around, but generally not on this forum.

[hoppo]

Brilliant, that clears up my axis issues. :)

I've managed to figure out how to create a picture from my CAD package, so here it is. Z axis version 1! To be honest I'm not 100% happy with it, mainly due to the width of the plate that the spindle will attach to, I'll have a re-think, but I think I have good base to work from.