[henrychan]

Thanks peter, that totally makes sens. I am trying to build a machine because
1. it's much more convenient to have my own machine
2. I can do stupid things on it without being yelled at
3. I will convert it into a 3D printer and laser cutter with some inexpensive modifications.
4. It's dope and I will learn a lot in the process
I redesigned it to use mostly solid 1" steel plates (they aren't toooo expensive if I keep it small) and significantly reduced the work volume down to about 18"(y)x 12"(z). Using my FEA solver, I get about 2/10th deflection under 150 lbs or a little over 3 thou at 1 tonne on the gantry in both x and y directions(add about 2 thou at 1 tonne if I include the entire frame assembly). The linear solver is all I have, and I believe it does a decently good job at solving systems with small deflection (correct me if I'm wrong, I am absolutely no expert in FEA). Also do you have a link of the article talking about 1 tonne tool load?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O1N...ew?usp=sharing
Does it look like it will work and do you spot any glaring design errors? Thanks a lot.

[peteeng]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O1N...ew?usp=sharing
Does it look like it will work and do you spot any glaring design errors? Thanks a lot.[/QUOTE]

OK why do you have two beams for the gantry? One beam the size of the two beams will be much stiffer. Every component must take up the maximum space made available for it to maximise stiffness. And the thick top and bottom of these for the rail connection, how do you intend to achieve this? Peter