Hi V2 - When you say hard anodised do you actually mean hard anodised? Not many places in Oz do that. But normal architectural anodising is fine but spec 20um thickness. Clearly the aluminium will not be as durable as hardened steel but then it will be lighter. So depends on what speeds and accels you want and what motors you have to achieve them. Have you tried D&D Barry for the tool plates (alloy and cast iron)? not sure about price...Cheers Peter