new build opinions required

[JAZZCNC]

Shim steel is more expensive that I thought, do people just cut up food/drink cans or is there somewhere to buy an assortment cheap ?

Often I use tin foil has it's thin cheap and won't rust.!! If I need more than 2 layers I'm upset.!!

The problem with shimming is you can't compensate for rail twist with it. I discussed it at length in the recent build log. I didn't include the readings from the shimmed rail in that post, however if you want I can dig out the graphs obtained when the rail was shimmed and you'll see the error was still far worse than the final result obtained using self-levelling epoxy. I'll quote myself, from the build log:

Why not.? Shimming is all about where you place the shims.! I agree it's not easy in comparison to epoxy but it can be done, I've done it many times.

Your experiences with epoxy are on a short machine but on a longer machine then things are slightly more exagerated and just relying on one method that is fixed or not very flexible is not so clever IMO. That's why I say for a Long machine(requiring higher precision), longer than 4ft I use both methods.!

Why make life hard for the sake of some plates and bolts, which if Epoxy hits the mark first time you don't need to touch, if it doesn't then fine it can still be tweaked if needed. Adjustabilty is Key and the more of it you have without compromising the machines strength the better at DIY level.!!