The X-Axles... to move or not to move!

[Wild4aces]

Currently, I am designing my first CNC Router similar to the JGRO plans using a mild steel square tube frame. The first big design issue I face is the X-axles… should the X-axles be stationary or should the X-axles move with the Gantry stationary?

I have both sketched out, but would like some input on the pro’s and con’s of each before meeting into construction.

Thanks

[buscht]

My first design had the table moving in both X and Y. The routers moved up and down in Z. This worked OK, but I didn't like that all the dust and crude would fall down right on the leadscrews and linear rails.

I am working on my next design where the table is stationary and the gantry moves in both X and Y.

It seems to me that moving the table in X is a little easier to build, but it you move the gantry your overall footprint is smaller.