Specs on my CNC Machine

It's a homebrewed machine which started as a Robbins Scientific Tango 1028-00-1 Tango Liquid Handling System.

Ken guesses approx $60k in motion control gear installed.

No spindle presently attached, just a stepper motor which was used to dispense fluids.

Travel is 22"x17", z axis is around 9"-10".

Rapids are set at 300ipm, but they've been tested at 600ipm and workd perfectly (just terrifyingly fast for a small table)

Inductive Prox limit switches.

All brand name dual linear rails per axis.

Ground (not rolled) precision ballscrews, pretensioned for zero backlash.

Motion Controller Information

Galil

• Galil DMC 2140 ICM 2900
• Controller features ethernet input (though possibly serial using an ethernet jack)
• Controller has a fourth axis

Spindle search information

Require air cooled motor. Air bearings are what's important, but the motor itself could be powered by electricity or by compressed air.

• Do not want compressed air powered system - would require way better compressor than I have.
• Ideal RPM: 30k max
• ERxx series collet system
• 1hp minimum strength

Good brands, if you can get 'em surplus: Westwind, Dover, Fischer.

Newer square column units are better than round column units, generally (unless you get one with American air bearings).