1250 x 1250 cnc router (from scratch)

[D.C.]

I suppose it depends on exactly what you want out of the machine. If you do more work on sheetstock using the bed than you do turning it would mean having an extra long z-axis for whenever you are doing all your sheetwork.

Unless you need far more clearance on the bed to insert really thick material than you do on the lathe which makes it a moot point.

[JAZZCNC]

I suppose it depends on exactly what you want out of the machine. If you do more work on sheetstock using the bed than you do turning it would mean having an extra long z-axis for whenever you are doing all your sheetwork.

Unless you need far more clearance on the bed to insert really thick material than you do on the lathe which makes it a moot point.

Like I did say several times these drawings where just for showing the principle and general layout. Alex has specific needs, which I knew ence how it's roughly drawn and he will design the specific heights etc around his needs.
Obviously if he or anyone else was just cutting 1" panels then the Gantry and so therefore the Z axis and it's overall extension would be less so yes in this case you would want the 4th axis lower but it's horse for course's and really that's a different machine a "Panel router".

To be honest if I wanted to turn legs etc then I'd use a lathe because building a 4th Axis that can spin fast enough for turning and still give high resolution for good 4th axis detail is very expensive, not hard just expensive. 4th Axis come into there own when you want to engrave or decorate, flute or barly twist etc and it's for this I'd use one and not for the actual turning.!!