New Machine Build- Long X axis

[corwes]

I have been collecting parts for a CNC router over a couple of years and
finally am starting to build. I was going to build an 8 x 4 machine with four axis
and dual spindles ( separate drilling spindle ). My latest acquisition is a pair
of 14 feet long NSK linear rails that came out of an old injection molding robot.

I feel that it would be such a waste to cut them shorter. I can see a use for
a long X axis, with the 4 axis I would be able to turn 12 feet long columns.
What other uses would there be for such a long machine?
I am looking for excuses to justify the extra space I am going to sacrifice in my
workshop.

[ger21]

You can cut 12ft sheets of board.

[FandZ]

Sounds like you could make two machines in one. You could have two gantries facing each other. Double the fun and twice the production. You could cnc a canoe...

Maybe use one side as a cnc lath somehow? It should be interesting to see what others suggest.

[LazyMan]

Personally, I would not build a significantly larger machine than planned or needed (especially if it is large already) just because it is a shame to cut down long rails. The extra costs and complications associated in building XXL machine and keeping it as rigid can really increase quite a bit. However, if your only concern is space than why not?