Originally Posted by
louieatienza
Just another angle... I don't think it would be a bad idea to build the Solsylva, as long as you know what to expect of it. I used mine for almost two years without modification. That's not to say it had been easy sailing, but I did cut my teeth on that machine, and I wouldn't trade the experience either.
There are definitely more than a few people here who have built a machine, to get it satisfactorily running, and use it to build its own parts, or even parts for another (better) machine. Having done both, it is a fun experience, but it doesn't necessarily pay the bills. I did make two upgrades, more of necessity than anything else. I gave my Solsylva to a friend, for his wood projects, and it is more than adequate for that task. In fact I probably wouldn't know what I do, and learned all I have, without building that machine.
So if you do build that Solsylva, I recommend you don't stray too much from the plans. It would be fruitless to overbuild it, and have parts (other than the electronics and screws) that you cannot use on an upgrade. Be as frugal as possible; then when you run it you'll know what parts need addressing.
I have a gantry router/mill in progress with it's main function to machine aluminum plate. I used Misumi's GFS aluminum extrusions, which have greater wall thicknesses than other so-called heavy duty extrusions. They even come with milled surfaces, eliminating the need to do so. I scavenged eBay for THK profile rails and ground ballscrews. My larger router is set up now for primarily cutting Garolite, and my new small router will make the rest of the parts for the aluminum router. While I won't be taking mill-sized cuts, it should be fine for what I need it to do.