Quote Originally Posted by m.marino View Post
As far as the MD machine, sell it on ebay as a whole unit. I sold mine to someone who wanted to do some poking around and testing and for what he wanted with the care to keep it completely flat it does what he wants. Anyone wanting to get very into serious CNC activity I would strongly NOT suggest any of MD's smaller line as I have yet to see any product that will not end up twisting itself or otherwise creating misalignment just from running. That is my experience and opinion. -Michael
I have beefed up the frame and gantry on the MD machine. The frame now has 4 sides of 40x80 profile and the gantry is cross-braced with a 4x100 ali plate. my concern with the machine is twofold 1. the ACME and delrin leadscrews and the unsupported rails which adds up to a lack of rigidity at the spindle collet. I cut mainly wood, plastics and aliand if I take it slow I get adequate results for my purpose, which is prototyping a breath controlled synthesiser (MIDI harmonica). Though playing with CNC has rather diverted me from my intended task.

The fate of the MD machine was decided when the Z-axis linear bearings dropped out during a cut and I realised how basically cheap the design was to use profile end caps to retain the bearings. If they had been a press fit, then maybe OK. But I have got the bug and want better.....