Quote Originally Posted by AndyUK View Post
Welcome to the forum! If you were using steppers, 2010 on long, 1610 on the other horizontal, and 1605 on Z would be reasonable, but you're wanting to use servos so it might change things - depends on what speeds you want out of the machine and what gearing ratios you want to use.
Thanks! To be honest, I’m not sure the servo option is a big enough advantage, but I’ve seen a few members in Dutch forums with very good results dropping in these budget servos on similar machines - smoother operation and quicker rapids, a bit quieter. But the machine as designed is a direct drive, though I’m willing to add some form of gearing/pulley system. From what I understand servos are potentially more accurate, better at higher speeds, but lack torque at lower speed.

I don’t really have a good idea of what speeds I’ll be wanting/needing - I will probably mostly be milling various hardwoods, preferably with larger bits (10-12mm 2 flutes for cutting/carving solidbody electrics, in woods like maple, mahogany, and rosewoods), but also smaller items with tiny bits that require good precision but. It necessarily a lot of power - shell, 0.5mm fret slots and the like. And a very occasional bit of brass or aluminium (engraving, maybe small wood branding irons, that sort of thing).

Generally advice is try to use Ethernet where possible - USB is somewhat notorious. A few people around here build their PSUs, so might be worth reading up on it.
Thanks! I’ve got a friend who studied electrical engineering and understands this stuff far better, so I’ll have a look at that aspect with him.

Have you tried emailing BST directly for a quote inc shipping? Duty to the UK wasn't a big issue when I ordered mine. Mention the forum for what its worth!
Will do, I was just window shopping in their Ali store, where some items have pretty stiff shipping charges. Any advice on the linear rail carriage preload? I’m guessing Z0 or ZA, but don’t think it will make a huge difference in performance for my intended use...