MK1 Steel router build log 1500x800x200

[Doddy]

I connect the steppers direct to the drives. Some use connectors at the input panel to the box but for me this is just another source of potential noise.

Noise?, okay, with an unshielded connector and a (very) poor connection. More likely, you'll be introducing resistance , and that will have a detrimental effect on the machine (whether measurable, is something else - if the PSU is spec'd correctly and the drivers are in constant-current then it should will have a limited effect).

It is a balance between cost and convenience first and foremost. If I had a cabinet with the holes for the steppers pre-drilled (as appears to be the case in that impeccable cabinet) then I'd go connector. If you never disconnect them, then the convenience never comes into play and you've lost the cost of 6-12 connectors over the life of the machine. If you have to disconnect them then, without the connectors, you're suffering inconvenience each time. It also helps to be able to isolate cables from cabinets during construction, installation, maintenance, etc.

Call me lazy - I prefer to make life as easy as possible for myself.

How often do you need to move the machine? Unscrewing a few terminal blocks on the drive takes just minutes.

Sods law : if you provide connectors - you will never move it. If you don't - you will :)

Remaking screw terminals is not a great use of time - you shouldn't re-use the existing wire/crimp without remaking (I would re-use, in the knowledge I'm doing wrong, again out of laziness - it'd bite me in the end).

Up to you

Absolutely.

My only caveat on my view above - I'd make sure to use a vaguely appropriate connector.