Double gantry idea, What do you guys think?

[JAZZCNC]

DC these 3040's call the long Axis Y axis and Z axis is attached to X axis.!!

Craig the X axis block could easily be modified to accept open bearings then beef up the gantry with a strong plate and then drill and support the rails from behind.
This along with supported rails on the Y axis should help greatly and not cost a fortune.

Other than that then I wouldn't bother and sell the whole thing and build a far stronger machine from scratch.

[wilfy]

Other than that then I wouldn't bother and sell the whole thing and build a far stronger machine from scratch.

when you factor in that my machine will be all steel built, have supported rails, the right steppers/psu as advised via this forum a cutting area of around 500x550 with a 2.2kw spindle and it's going to cost under 1k i'd say it's very likely you would certainly do well to follow deans advice.