Hi Nick,
I have been looking for parts online for a little while and have found that the cost of the rails and guides are going to be the greatest cost... close to $1000.00 for the size of table were both looking at. The accuracy of the slides will impact the repeatability of your cuts so it also depends on what your cutting and how much accuracy you really need.
I have toyed with the idea of using heavy duty drawer slides as a cheap alternative, but still want the stability and accuracy of guide rails
.
As for the Framework, Im torn between 80/20 aluminum extrusion which
Will allow for on the fly adjustments as well as design changes but it is $$$
or Steel tubing that requires accurate cuts and drilling and is a one shot deal with little room for error but is much cheaper. Since I will be cutting Plastic and aluminum, i don't believe that MDF supports will give me the level of rigidity that I'm seeking, without it being grossly overbuilt (I like clean lines).
For the stepper motors and drive controller I'll probably get something prebuilt
and plug n play online.
http://www.ipecautomation.com/Produc...mextrusion.htm
Aluminum 80/20 supplier,They also carry slides & ballscrews
http://www.bdi-canada.com/locations_on.html
They have an office in Brampton
Slides & screws
http://www.gbs.ca/en/mainen.html
Slides & screws & motors
As for the design, there are a ton of different ones out there, but 95% seem to be of the moving Gantry style which is proven, I just can't decide as to which I want either... I need to pick so I can begin drawing up plans asap and get this project going.
I hope some of those links help
Frank