Steel frame cnc router design/build

[CraftyGeek]

The drives I have at the moment have full steps on them...so I don't know any different in that regard. They have full, 1/2, 1/4 & 1/8 - so it looks like I should just use 1/8 step & forget about it.

I hadn't considered the torque side of things.
If my intention is to mainly cut wood/mdf & then aluminium plate/sheet occasionally....given that i'll be stuck on a low voltage (24v) for a while before being able to upgrade the driver/psu combo do you think that a ratio in between might be a better option? So I don't sacrifice too much speed, but still get a torque boost.

[JAZZCNC]

I hadn't considered the torque side of things.
If my intention is to mainly cut wood/mdf & then aluminium plate/sheet occasionally....given that i'll be stuck on a low voltage (24v) for a while before being able to upgrade the driver/psu combo do you think that a ratio in between might be a better option? So I don't sacrifice too much speed, but still get a torque boost.

No I'd stick with 10mm pitch @ 1:1 has you'll be speed limited with 24V so the extra lead of the screw will help here. With 3Nm motors torque won't be an issue really unless really heavy gantry or running 2 x screws from one motor.!!

[CraftyGeek]

With 3Nm motors torque won't be an issue really unless really heavy gantry or running 2 x screws from one motor.!!

I am going to be running the X-axis with 2 screws & one motor....also the motors I have at the moment are 1.8Nm. Not ideal I know - but its what I have to start with.

[JAZZCNC]

I am going to be running the X-axis with 2 screws & one motor....also the motors I have at the moment are 1.8Nm. Not ideal I know - but its what I have to start with.

Oh dear your stuffed.!!!. . . Lol

Well in this case then your really bating uphill and may struggle bad With those small motors.? . . . So with only 24V then I'd suggest running 3:1 to increase torque and suffer the speed loss.
When you have larger every thing then drop back to 1:1. . !!

Make sure the motors are wired in parallel not series has well else your double stuffed when speed rises. . .Lol

What drives are you using.?

[CraftyGeek]

I bought the drivers years ago when there wasn't anywhere as much choice at the cheaper end of the market:
Single Driver

Also have the LPT quick connector from there as well.

I plan on replacing it all when the machine is running....but that will be a way off.

[JAZZCNC]

I bought the drivers years ago when there wasn't anywhere as much choice at the cheaper end of the market:
Single Driver

Ah ah . . . Mr Rout-out CNC Well I better keep quite then or I'll get banned again. . . Lol

I plan on replacing it all when the machine is running....but that will be a way off.

Ermm. . .Well all I'll say is try to Make it sooner rather than later.!!