OK Mike, sorry I'm going to be blunt here. Jazz has said to go through the build logs as have myself, Jonathan and the others I still think you need to go back and do some reading as the design you have put here has been done before (or designs nearly identical to this one) and commented on.

Again being blunt:

Quote Originally Posted by FlyHighRC View Post
Do you have a link to these linear rails?

I dont know much about CNC but i know how to incorprate strength into a design. If there is one thing Im good at its designing...dont get me wrong...i have seen builds on this forum which to me seem fine but people who have been there and done that have pointed out aspcts of designs that didnt show up to me...but all their critisims and expertise has been written down on my Pukkapad to bear in mind when designing my machine, which will be posted so others can tell me what needs improvong and whats ok etc etc.

Really appreciate the help :)
The design you posted is anything but strong...people will have pointed out things in other builds which to you don't show up because they have experience of building the machines, normally by making the same mistakes and regretting it. My brief comments on "first draft"

  • Bed does not have enough support and will vibrate and bounce giving poor finish.
  • X axis bearing mount to gantry is too thin and flexible.
  • Mount the steppers with belts to reduce resonance, not essential but preferable.
  • Gantry has no bracing or support so will bend/bounce/twist giving poor finish.
  • 40x40 box (for the gantry) isn't strong enough as Jazz said before.


The above assumes that you will be cutting some aluminium at some stage.

Sorry my reply might come accross as being unfriendly and harsh but I can see you going down a route as Jazz said that will leave you dissapointed if you're not careful and if you're not careful you'll waste money prodcing a machine that won't cut what you want to cut.