Yuri... I've also been addicted to the idea of this for many years.. It first started when I saw an early version of torchmate...
I've been wanting a cnc plasma table ever since..
But this past summer, I've decided to finally get off my arse and go for it (well, being in construction in NorCal, the economy decided for me)...
I'm currently collecting materials (and clearing room in the shop) for my first build which will be a heavily beefed up solsylva cnc router table.. designed to handle full sheets of 4' x8' stock (and then some), but it will have steppers, racks and pinions, drivers, power supply, gear reductions, etc. all intended to be later used on a full sized MechMate table... It will also be far heavier and beefier in structural design than the standard solsylva..
The idea is to use the first build to be up and running in a shorter period of time with a smaller output of moola, so that I can start making and selling product, then build another table that will be strictly plasma, after which I can build the MechMate and transfer the important parts over from the solsylva table...
It's been a lifelong dream of mine to do small scale manufacturing from home.. The idea of my morning commute involving pouring a cup of joe and walking out to the shop is appealing in so many ways.. especially with the rising costs of fuel, and my living in the sticks...
Also, the more hobbies like brewing I have (I'm into music/recording, woodworking, off roading/jeeps, church, camping/fishing, sports, etc... and want to get back into bracket racing, among other things), then the more potential markets and product idea fields that are available to me...
It's not at all surprising to me, to find people interested in the DIY CNC thing here at HBT.. The DIY mentality and creative desire is common across many hobbies like Home Brewing...
Good Job... Can't wait till my first incarnation is up and running...