Which machine to get / build

[GeorgeS]

Thanks for all the advice, I'll deffinately be converting my mill.

Would I still be able to get half decent results using the stock leadscrews? Also (posibly a stupid question) should the steppers be directly attached to the leadscrews where the hand wheels are, or can they be connected using belts to pulleys mounted where the hand wheels are (seems a lot easier to do)?

[JAZZCNC]

Thanks for all the advice, I'll deffinately be converting my mill.

Would I still be able to get half decent results using the stock leadscrews? Also (posibly a stupid question) should the steppers be directly attached to the leadscrews where the hand wheels are, or can they be connected using belts to pulleys mounted where the hand wheels are (seems a lot easier to do)?

Like Doddy says you will have some backlash but how much depends on your machine but it can be lessened by using backlash compensation which is a software work around. It's not perfect but can help a little and will certainly get you going.

You'll probably find using belts will be required because won't be able to directly mount easily. But that said it's a good thing to do any way because it lowers the resonance on the motors and makes them run smoother. If was Me I'd be fitting belts regardless for this reason alone.