ok it is in fact a silly question then as i had it in my head you could put a coupling straight on to a ball screw and attach it straight to the stepper.

so with the mind set that i want to go for a straight motor to ballscrew i presume something like this is the kind of kit that would do everything including support one axis?? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1antibackl...#ht_616wt_1163

the above length is 547mm would this be the complete work length of that axis or do i need to take more out of that? i have nothing set in stone yet i am just trying to get an idea what i can work with and cost before i decide on the size of machine i need.