Hi,

I am about to start building a 3m x 2m 'vertical panel saw'. Its going to be constructed using aluminium 80*40 profile with a metal supporting frame for rigidity. The initial plan is to set it up with a circular saw for cutting 8ft x 4ft sheets. Once complete though.....

I intend to upgrade it to a CNC without breaking the bank if possible. Instead of me researching for days upon days about the best systems to do this only to be told after I am wrong, I figured I would ask the experts here for very basic pointers.

1. Given its very long (3m) I am assuming
  1. lead screws are a no go due to length?
  2. Would there be a lot of slop/backlash using belts?
  3. Am I correct in saying rack and pinion would be best?


2. What motor/driver combo would be suitable. I'm thinking its possible I may need a slave drive for the long run given the overall size? Presumably there are distance/proximity sensors that go along with this?

3. What do you see as the pitfalls at this stage (except me being an idiot at this stuff)?

4. Any suggestions for breakout boards and the go to software everyone uses?

If you have any links or websites to buy the parts that would be very much appreciated also. I'm based in Ireland so UK sites are good.

Thanks for any help.