Hello Dan...
I am in the same situation as you. I went and bought a Lathe/Mill Comination machine about 1 month ago. Whatever you spend on the machine allow the same again for tooling.
I bought my lead screws (too hard to make) and am in the process of completing all of the Bearing Support Blocks for the Y & Z axis. For the block design I just copied the specs from an NSK specs catalogue. I also made my own lead nut from Delrin.
Next I will use the lathe to bore the pulleys to size etc..
Metal Machining was all new to me and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning new skills and having the satisfaction of making it myself.
At the end of the day you won't save money overall, but the machine will pay for itself with the savings in parts.
cheers
Frans |