A major challenge was selecting stepper motors with sufficient torque to handle the gantry mass and cutting forces, especially when milling aluminum, without losing steps. This necessitated upgrading from initially chosen underpowered motors. Designing adequate power management for the demanding motors and spindle was critical. Achieving sufficient frame rigidity using v-extrusions and 3D printed parts to allow for accurate milling, particularly in harder materials like aluminum, was likely a significant design and tuning challenge.