Thank you for taking the time to reply guys.

On reflection, I think with the Aluminium design I was thinking more form over function. So from here on in it's definitely only function!

Neil, I like your design, in particular the short legs, which would be helpful getting the machine base into the room where it's going to be used.
While It would be a rarity to be cutting any non ferrous would I need so many supports along the x axis?

Jazz,

When you say Ali bed, do you mean plate or the extrusion?

Cheers.