Cheers both for responses!

Clive S:
I think so far you have had plenty of direction but it appears you want to be spoon fed all the way.
Sorry, am confused - on one hand saying ask as many questions as I need and other hand saying I'm wanting to be spoon fed. This you misunderstood what I meant - my point is, instead of just asking questions and taking knowledge for my own benefit, I tend to collate, organise and share it back - ie so not just selfishly supporting my own agenda.

If you read the build logs you will see there are a great number of recommended design changes from other members whether they are taken it or not is up to the builder.
I feel insulted that you come up with this attitude. But I wish you all the best in your plight.
Again, not sure I follow. With all these others lists, there is a kit you can buy with clear instructions, designs, videos of builds, part lists etc etc. I can't see the same on this forum - of course I can read through the build logs (and I am). What I'm classing as - prebuilt (ie pick up from Currys/PC World), Kit Instructions (All the parts for the PC with a guide), No instructions - ie loads of build tutorials, reviews of parts etc on the internet for you to find and order yourself. As far as I can see, you're recommending the latter - which is why it's classed as such. Not saying that's a bad thing, so don't take offense, I'm just saying that relies on a lot more time, effort and quality of your own experience.

PS I'm basing the fact there are no proposed/recommended designs on this:
http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/5520-How-about-a-mycncuk-cnc-router-project?highlight=mycnc
Appears to have been a discussion running for about 3 years with little progress - hence my point



JAZZCNC:
Heh, no, was only meaning that tongue in cheek (other than the CNCs you have built in this forum appear to have been well received, so good example of what you can achieve)

Really useful suggestions in your post, so I'll look to start distilling these.

these machines are aimed at low budget users but they are so basic those same people could build the same for much less money or better still much better for same money.

I'd like to test the difference here (ie in price or in quality) - what I'd like to sketch out is what would be the best application of resource if you had to build for certain budgets - this usually works pretty well in other hardware builds (eg if you ask an architect/engineer/pc forum to spec you best X, y, z for different amounts). I can then look to source online costs for each component so we get a more accurate budget. Naturally there'll be some areas of debate, but prefer to have some options rather than nothing.

Does the forum (or anywhere else) have example builds with budgets? eg best build for £1000, £2000, £3000 etc?

Let's start with £1000 and see where we get to - for a 1.5m x 1m build:

Linear Rails:
20x80mm Vslot:
http://openbuildspartstore.com/v-slot-linear-rail/
£13.77 per metre

There's also CBeam design. This any better?
http://openbuildspartstore.com/c-beam-linear-rail/
£19.28 per metre

Lead Screws
http://openbuildspartstore.com/8mm-m...me-lead-screw/
£21.69 per metre

Any better sources or improved parts for above (without going nuts on budget)? I particular Z-axis mount, is this an area I should invest more £££?

I'll keep plodding through various sites/forums to hone it up and start sketching out in Max/Autocad