Cheers for that Silyavski. Some food for thought. Having the bed move on the short axis could work and the spindle fixed to the gantry. The gantry would then have to traverse the long axis and be able to be raised and lowered. Could this cause significant weakness/flex/give?
i think i understand what you are saying regarding spacing and bracing.
I don't think I will be relying on wood screws to hold my work. Unless it is a work-around to make something more secure ;-)
Clayt