Ok. I've decided to make my own CNC since it would be much fun. And cheaper of course
I've chosen the 8020 profiles and Ahrens linear motion system and it looks like this would be as close to the bolt-together kit as it can get.
To be a little more specific about my router, I'm planning to machine aluminum plates and panels (mostly cut-outs and engraving). Working area - not less then 21"x12".
I've come up with this design and this machine has actually bigger working area (around 22"x16") and a footprint of 24"x24". It's a fixed gantry design with moving table - I feel it would be more rigid this way.
I REALLY-really need your comments on this 'cause I'm building a BOM now and most components will come from US (which is quite far from Russia) so I'd like to catch as many quirks/mistakes at the design stage as possible, so I don't have to ship something again .
I haven't decided on the router yet. I'd really like to know what routers are suggested for cutting light metals effectively.
I haven't done stepper calculations as well, but I'm going to do it asap. Any recommendations are appreciated! I think my Z-axis would weight around 10 kg, so I need powerfull motors to move this baby...
Here go pictures.