good replies from all there , thank you all very much.

I'll keep this thread alive in parallel with my machine build so everyone who cares to search can see what is what.

I'll leave the copper alone ... cash is short at the moment, so until my next order, I'm even scrating around for scraps of MDF ! I usually buy 10 sheets at a time for a better price, but it's all used up.

My angle iron is pre-used, and has holes in. So OK for bearing trucks, but not for rails. I'll see if I can find some steel / iron that I can use for rails.... I must have some somewhere !

thanks again, I'll keep you posted

Rich