Ar last!!! Started my Gantry 3-Axis CNC Build

[Sherpa]

Hi, I have a quick question how are you finding having one Y axis with the cut quality you are getting, i am at the stage now where i am thinking for the first machine i will keep it at one for now, so i don't need to worry about belts driving two ballscrews etc. If you had your time again would you use Two steppers / or belts or do you find having a single Y axis drive centered is working for you?

Kind Regards
Sherpa

[Clive S]

Hi, I have a quick question how are you finding having one Y axis with the cut quality you are getting, i am at the stage now where i am thinking for the first machine i will keep it at one for now, so i don't need to worry about belts driving two ballscrews etc. If you had your time again would you use Two steppers / or belts or do you find having a single Y axis drive centered is working for you?

Kind Regards
Sherpa

It all depends what you want to cut with the machine and how wide it is how it is built etc.. There are pro's and con's using one or two motors that has been debated many times on here.

[JAZZCNC]

Hi, I have a quick question how are you finding having one Y axis with the cut quality you are getting, i am at the stage now where i am thinking for the first machine i will keep it at one for now, so i don't need to worry about belts driving two ballscrews etc. If you had your time again would you use Two steppers / or belts or do you find having a single Y axis drive centered is working for you?

Kind Regards
Sherpa

Which to use or how well one works over the other moslty depends on the width of machine and like Clive mentions what your cutting.
The cut off point for me is anything wider than 600mm cut will bennifit from twin screws/belts. 600-400mm is open to usage to which is best. Less >=400 then single screw is fine unless mostly cutting Non ferrous metals then I'd go twin every time.

[MikeyC38]

Hi, I have a quick question how are you finding having one Y axis with the cut quality you are getting, i am at the stage now where i am thinking for the first machine i will keep it at one for now, so i don't need to worry about belts driving two ballscrews etc. If you had your time again would you use Two steppers / or belts or do you find having a single Y axis drive centered is working for you?

Kind Regards
Sherpa

Hi Sherpa
I don't know about the cut quality yet -still fiddling with basic calibration and wanting to fit Jazzcnc's relay based e-stop system before really "going" for it. There may be some racking issues but if I cut in the centre of the board, this should reduce it. I guess if (or most probably when!) I do this again , then twin 1610 ballscrews, belt driven (avoids problem of twin steppers de-synchronising but I don't want to start a flame war here!!!) 68v stepper drivers and a different design for the gantry and precision profiled rails. But I'll wait and see how I get on with this one. It's taken me long enough to get to this stage!!!

I have to admit I'm impressed with the current stiffness of the gantry but cutting will be the true test.

Regards
Mike