I've been using a chinese machine for a couple years now, and am frustrated by its lack of rigidity. I can run it slow and it performs well enough, but I really want to pick up the pace. Its working area is 33x48" and I find that to be a good sweet spot. will take 1/3 of a full sheet of anything as stock.
Watched a bunch of videos, read a lot of build logs here and other places, and decided to start making a new machine.
I have not done a CAD for the machine, though I will do many components before I have them either laser or water jet cut. for the moment I'm still not 100% sure on the design other than the work area and steel frame construction.
The pre-made Z axis will have its mounting plate replaced with a larger plate, and have two more bearings added to the plate, lowering its travel to just under 9"
the mounting plate will be mounted to the Y axis mounting plate (X is long axis in my case).
Y axis will have the 1200mm rails, though I will use up a lot of that with a wider spacing for the bearing blocks rather than use more than 34" of travel.
As I make progress on this machine I will post updates. I dont think I can update a post after a day, so I will post new replys with component links and prices as I order them, and photos will come as I start to model and assemble the machine!
Here's the list and prices for the components I've purchased so far