I just think CNC's are kewl! I'm new here and first post so go EASY on me. I have a personal need to do some plasma cutting for stairway and railing areas on my summer home. I was shocked by the bids to do the work I wanted so I figured I would build a CNC, do them myself, maybe advertise to do some custom work. I bought a set of detailed plans for a CNC that does both plasma and wood routing. I'm just studying the guide/plans now. It shows everything being WELDED of 4x4 and 2x6 material (the design is actually for a table smaller than 4'x6') I HAVE ALMOST NO WELDING EXPERIENCE so I considered aluminum extrusion (v-slot) instead. I have encountered (2) problems with my thoughts; (1) I can't see the availability of extrusion in the lengths I'd need (2) IF I use lead screws, I can't find them in long enough lengths either. I have considered other drive systems but haven't really read up on them yet. So here I am..... asking for any advice, critique, suggestions that you may have.
Multipurpose machines generally don't do one job well. The plasma table will need a water table where as a router needs to have a somewhat dry environment. A router the size you want will need to have both axis reinforced for the forces involved with cutting for a router as in heavy to move to to set it up for the other operation. Whereas the plasma table can be light cause it's just moving the head. Just some things to think about.
