If you need open source control, use LinuxCNC. If you need open source designs a) why? b) download any of the many designs on the internet constructed out of 80

If you need open source control, use LinuxCNC. If you need open source designs a) why? b) download any of the many designs on the internet constructed out of 8020. If you need to budget less than 8020, use maker slide. I've build multiple BIG cnc routers. One with 8020, one out of steel. The industrial design of the frames are not that hard, its more cable management, PLC stuff, sensor placement, and calibration that get you. Linear rails (e.g Hiwin rails) offer excellent linear motion and rigidity. Rolled ball screws also work great. I've also converted some older manual mills to CNC, most recently a Bridgeport that is running a Masso G3 controller. The reality is that the need for open source in this space is limited because most of the hardware that is available for Mach3, Mach 4, UCCNC, is highly versatile, and the "closed source" software still allows scripting, etc to modify buttons and routines to suit you. And again, if you really want to control everything, LinuxCNC works. If you are new to this space, I recommend buying or building a gantry router. It gives you 3 axes of motion with a vertical spindle, and depending on the level of weight and rigidity you add will influence the hardness of the materials you can cut.