Im new, am a 3D designer. Need a New cnc machine and need advice and guidance

[FlyHighRC]

IF you've gone through the build logs then you'll see a pattern in the design of the routers built recently which are 90% (this one isn't...http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/gantry...ercnc_mk3.html) all raised rails above the bed like the pictures I posted previously. They'll also answer most of the questions you're asking about designing them. You don't have to go re-inventing the wheel! Most people on here want to cut the same things that you do (I do as I want to make parts for balsa and ply planes, carbon fibre heli frames and quad frames, ali parts for my helis and quad etc...) so their routers have been designed as a best compromise to achieve this. Re-read all the build threads to see how designs have changed along the build. Mine's a very good example of just this. I started with a similar design as the one you're doing and has evolved as I've read more build logs and asked questions...

Not trying to reinvent any wheel, I have lowered the bed...I am still going to keep the sides now as they are good for more strength and will also save me using 3mm poly as a way to stop rubbish going onto the rails...Im quite happy with this though it may need more support on the underneath... I need to make bracket on either end and either side of the machine to hold the motors and ballscrews...

My one concern is the accuracy in welding...if i take the parts to a welding shop will they know how precise this had to be? Dont want them to weld it up and realise its off by a few mm