Abstract: A method for making a bed for a gantry-style milling machine, where said machine has a routing spindle which said machine is capable of moving in the X, Y and Z directions, and where said machine has means to support a bed, comprising placing material millable by the machine on said support means and planing said material level with the machine.

Abstract: A linear drive system with an associated cover system wherein said linear drive system comprises a load, a lead screw, a lead nut operatively engaged to said lead screw such that said lead nut can travel along said lead screw by virtue of rotation of the lead nut, a load engaging structure means connecting the lead nut to the load such that as the lead nut travels along the lead screw, the load is moved, and motor means operatively engaged with the lead nut such that said motor means operates to rotate the lead nut, thereby moving the load.A cover system an opening formed by two surfaces. Said cover system has a bridge structure, which can be a roller assembly, which is supported by structural means over and across the width of the opening. A band is positioned to cover the opening and is also mounted over the bridge structure. As the bridge structure is moved along the opening, the band is lifted from the opening, thereby allowing access to the opening by a device.