Quote Originally Posted by JAZZCNC View Post
At this length and your requirements I would go with belt drive if just cutting foam but done in a slightly different way to what your probably thinking.? Check these out. . .Bell-Everman Dual Carriage Servo Belt.wmv - YouTube
ServoBelt: amazing belt drive - YouTube

It's one belt on top of another with rollers and pinion, it's easy enough to duplicate. I've played with it a little before for long machine but found R&P was better suited to router with a heavy gantry but for light weight gantry cutting foam then it would work fine I'm sure.

If you do a search for Mike Everman beltdrive you'll find more about it.


That does look very interesting however my fear would be it would be prone to getting clogged up with foam dust under the belt. I would also like it to be substantial enough to use for cutting wood which i assume the belt should be all be it you would have to cut slower.

ignoring cost and setting up what are the disadvantages of rack and pinion on something this long?

many thanks charlie