Question for previous builders.

[nikodell]

I have been considering building a Joe's hybrid 4x4, and am wondering if it would be beneficial to build a smaller MDF gantry system first? My thought is that I would gain experience with the nuances of the system type that may help in making the 4x4 process a little more seamless while working in a smaller more manageable scale.. I would use same controllers/servo setup on both.

[CarveOne]

If you think you have the skills and equipment to build the 4x4 then I would recommend building it first, then consider building a smaller machine for specialty purposes if you want to. I built the smaller one first and wished I had built a larger one instead. I don't intend to dispose of the smaller one any time soon. It it was fun to build and it still has its uses.

CarveOne

[ger21]

If you were building from your own design, then I'd say build a small one first. But since you're building from Joe's plans, and about 100 have already been built or are being built, you should be fine building the hybrid first.

[BobF]

I agree, go for the hybrid.

[nikodell]

Well I will be ordering the electronics this week and will start planning a space for it in the shop. Yha thinking about it it actually looks like an easier build than his 2006 anyhow.

[CarveOne]

Originally Posted by BobF I agree, go for the hybrid.

My vote goes for the Joe's Hybrid also. Do it once, do it right.

Obsessive tinkerers like me never seem to learn that.

CarveOne

[teamtexas]

I built a big machine first. It's wasn't joes version, but a big steel ganty style from scratch. If I had it to do over again, I would have built it smaller. Over 80% of what I cut could be done a machine 1/2 as big. Oh yea, I also learned a very important lesson about unsupported rails!