Suggestions please on a small desktop CNC, lead screws or belt drive?

Hi all, what is better to use on a small desktop CNC, cutting size about 200mmx150mm, lead screws or belt drive?

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Originally Posted by Tanky_Turk

Hi all, what is better to use on a small desktop CNC, cutting size about 200mmx150mm, lead screws or belt drive?

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Ballscrews win every time over Leadscrew or Belts. Lead screw is ok but only if you have good quality anti-backlash nuts, even then it won't match ballscrews for accuracy or efficiency.
Belt drive is ok on efficiency but by the time you have applied a ratio which you'll need too and bought the pulleys, belts etc it doesn't work out any cheaper for a small machine than Ballscrews from China.

And there's me thinking that Ballscrew was another name for Leadscrew. DOH. LOL

I used threaded rods and stud connectors last time but would prefer to use the proper stuff this time.

Will have a look on EBAY and see.

Cheers

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Originally Posted by Tanky_Turk

And there's me thinking that Ballscrew was another name for Leadscrew. DOH. LOL

I used threaded rods and stud connectors last time but would prefer to use the proper stuff this time.

Will have a look on EBAY and see.

Cheers

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Yes it kind of is but often the Term "lead screw" is related to Acme thread which is very differant to thread type of ballscrews.

Best thing to do is drop Chai at linearmotionbearings an email with exact lengths asking for a quote with end machineing included. Also depending on how your building machine it's a good idea to get the BK/BF bearing blocks with them in same quote.

Can't find "linearmotionbearings" on EBAY, only "linearmotionbearings2008", is that the same guy?

Just looking at ball screws on EBAY, what does "1204-3" mean?

I take it 12 is the diameter and 3 the pitch maybe? What's the 4?

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Originally Posted by Tanky_Turk

Can't find "linearmotionbearings" on EBAY, only "linearmotionbearings2008", is that the same guy?

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Yes the same guy, very reliable. ..Clive

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Originally Posted by Tanky_Turk

Just looking at ball screws on EBAY, what does "1204-3" mean?

I take it 12 is the diameter and 3 the pitch maybe? What's the 4?

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Nearly 12=dia 04=pitch 3 Could be number of thread starts.? . . Can you post a link.?

If your wanting this screw for CNC router for wood etc then you don't want a 4mm pitch has it will be very slow. 10mm is better but you'll probably only find 16mm diameter.

I don't want to cut wood with it, mainly engraving on wood or copper clad board/brass etc. and probably around .3-.5mm depth. I might occasionally cut 0.6-7mm thick brass with it as well but not sure about that yet.



This is the link: CNC SFU1204 Ball Screw L250mm Ballscrew With SFU1204 Single BallNut | eBay

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Originally Posted by Tanky_Turk

I don't want to cut wood with it, mainly engraving on wood or copper clad board/brass etc. and probably around .3-.5mm depth. I might occasionally cut 0.6-7mm thick brass with it as well but not sure about that yet.



This is the link: CNC SFU1204 Ball Screw L250mm Ballscrew With SFU1204 Single BallNut | eBay

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Doesn't help much but either way it's definately 4mm pitch, Which will be fine for engraving.

3 indicates the hardness