Hi Andrew, and thanks for your input. I thought about the "opposite" requirements of each machine before; and that's why i was planning on a "pluggable" design. If the main frame and electronics are just a strong, stable base on which you can then plug different beds/axis/trains/tools, wouldn't that be enough to be able to setup several machines, without the performance/precision problems implieby Domovoy - CNC Routers, Mills, and Hybrid RepRapping
So, i have this project: A machine capable of printing; drilling; cutting; laser cutting; PCB etching and/or drilling; SLS... for wood, plastic, metal, glass... I believe it's possible. It wouldn't be an "all-in-one" machine, but a "modular" one. For example, for changing from printing to laser cutting, i would unplug the bed and hotend, and replace them by the laser versions. So the only fixed pby Domovoy - CNC Routers, Mills, and Hybrid RepRapping