[yukonho]

My first machine is very cool. I am making a lot of things on it and use it daily for some production where I have actually paid for the machine with what I make! Very cool.
I want to make my second machine now that I have a better understanding of how these things go together. This machine will be more suited to the parts I actually make, not the ones I thought I was going to make!
Requirements are....
-16" X 8" X-Y travel
-3" Z travel
-As rigid as possible with MDF as main material.
-Potentially made from steel, (I can mig and Arc weld) or Aluminum but only if it is truly possible to make a square and true machine with the facilities I have and within budget.
-I am OK to go with rollerblade bearings and gas pipe, but need a better system than I am using now. I use gas pipe and rollerblade bearings mounted on 90 degree aluminum with bearings on all 4 sides. It is not adjustable to get the bearings riding perfectly on the pipes. Need a better way.
If I can get liniear ways for cheap then I will go that way.
-Dremel tool or Dremel Advantage for spindle.
-Enclosure.
-Probably go with a better leadscrew system than I am using which is 1/4-20 allthread and HDPE nuts. But honestly, it is pretty good surprisingly.
I am thinking of having a fixed Gantry for the 16" Y and moving table for the 8" X axis.
I need suggestions for the ball bearing and gass pipe ways, wether or not the fixed gantry and moving table concept is best for my needs, and if I should toy more with the idea of using steel.
Mostly I will be cutting wood, and possibly some G-10, I use xylotex board and nema23 steppers.
Thanks everyone, your input can help me make the perfect machine for my needs.
co