One step at a time. :)

This is my first machine so I will take my time with it. I'm happy for a job to take 5 hours to complete if it has to. The only time I will be milling steel is for small components. I will build it first, try my usual maple ply and then some 5060/6065 ali. If it goes well I will chance mild steel with some carbide bits. but it isn't critical.

I am not a machinist by trade, my profession is custom software and electronic design. I have worked on some GRBL controllers in the past. I decided to do this project to have a worthwhile machine in the lab and learn something on the way. I am writing my software front end (similar to Mach 3 but much nicer) that will work specifically with my machine bed size with a heavily modified version of Arduino GRBL that is running at 200kh on an STM32 ARM cortex board.

From looking around the forum I see a lot of skill gaps. Most users seem extremely proficient on machine design and structrual engineering but lack the electronics skills. I am quite the contrary. Finding myself reading google e-books on structural integrity and CNC/crane gantry designs.

I am more than happy to invest my skills in helping people out and love getting some good advice in return. I will weld up these gussets and some supports tonight.