Quote Originally Posted by alphabeta77 View Post
Yeah, think this is what I've been struggling with - lots of anecdotes (eg some folk saying it's good vs some saying total rubbish) and metaphors (eg 'tough as nails' vs 'good for icing a cake') , but very little science (apols for my analytical approach!).
Yes I know what you mean and I come across this all the time. I often clash heads with others that have built a machines or used components on there build who will jump up and down because I call or don't rate the component they have used.
They believe it to be the Bee's knees just because they have used it, they don't consider for one minute that there's better out there for less money. This is there lack of experience showing and It's the same for those that call weak machines like these Tough.!! . . . They know no better.!!

I have lot of experience with using many different components and will only call, comment or recommend on any I have extensively used or experience with.

Similair thing applies to spotting flaws in machine design. My experience lets me see things less experienced don't or should say past the bull shit of smoke and mirrors like covers and fancy graphics or marketing.
I've proved this several times on Forum's when manufactures have tried to claim there machines are high quality. When infact they are quite the opposite when looked at in more depth. These types tend to get defensive and upset very quickly, I've even been threatened with legal action in the past. To which my reply was bring it on.!!

How to go about it is easy. Research, research, research and little more research. Then bit more for good measure.
The build process is like eating an elephant.? One small piece at a time.!

This forum has everything you need, all you need to know is here you just have to read the build threads and ask questions. Asking is very very important.
Don't be afraid to ask question, no matter how stupid it may feel, it will have been asked.

There are no plans to speak of, not any that are any good. But there's plenty of good builds that can be copied in some form or another. Look around take bit from this, bit from that and soon you'll have design that suits all your needs.

By this time your knowledge and understanding will have increased and some of the fog will be lifting. The correct components and why will soon become apparent or present them selfs.

Then you'll move onto the Electrical side of the build process. It's here where cutting corners is fatal so don't be tempted.
Again research and asking questions will give you the answer.

None of this should be rushed and you need to be very honest with your self regards your abilty and skills needed to build a machine if you under take building.
It's not difficult but you need a certain amount of tools and need the skills to use them. Patience is big help.

If you can't wait or feel it's beyond you or simply don't have time then I suggest you tread very carefully before buying and do some research. Again ask on here like you did this time before buying.