Should stepper motors be covered?

I'm part-way through a Warco WM16 mill conversion. The machine will be cutting metal - primarily mild steel. Is it generally best to cover the stepper motors or will they be OK? My main concern is that steel swarfe + magnets = birds nest. The drive couplings (Oldhams & Pulleys/Belts) will be covered with fabricated sheet metal guards...I'm just wondering if I should extend these so that the motors will be cowled?

Yes IMO would be better if shields extended. . . . Certainly won't hurt it.!!

Yeah, that was my thinking as well. Will the steel guards cause any problems with motor interference or affect the magnets, etc? I'm assuming not, but being a "stepper virgin", it's best to check first...

No they will be fine.!