Help with initial decisions, confined space.

[matthewb]

Hi all,
I am in the initial stages of a new build.
I would like a machine that is capable in wood..... i would also like it to be capable in aluminium.
It will likely be made with Alumnium extrusions as i dont yet weld.
The space i have for it is quite confined it is 1700mm by 1000mm with 3 walls bounding. The access is on one of the 1700mm sides.
I need to maximise my cutting length, 1350mm is probably my minimum.
For this reason i have been contemplating running a long gantry for ease of loading and unloading the machine.
I like this idea from a practical "in use" perspective, but it worries me from a stiffness perspective.

so my question is should i continue and design a beefy long Gantry at 1500-1600mm that will be easier to use once built or should i abandon that idea in favour of the narrower (Lighter) gantry and put up with it being a bit more awkward in use?


thanks in advance for anyone input