Quote Originally Posted by nacimroc View Post
I had seen your video and think I hit the jackpot getting a reply from you. Those answers are exactly what I was looking for and give me a direction to start researching. I should have qualified my inital comment by saying I don't need accuracy down to the last micron and it'll be all wood.

Just on the ball screw pitch. Whats the purpose behind getting the screw speed down? Is it related to suiting the RPM of the stepper motor or could this not be corrected with gearing? Or is it related to accuracy of movement? Is there an ideal lead/pitch size for say a 25mm Dia ball screw? Or ratios to aim for with regards to stepper.

Sorry if they are stupid questions but your knowledge is invaluable and I'm trying to bleed you of everything I can .


Thanks
Research Ballscrew Critical Speed, and find a critical speed calculator to plug in some numbers.

In essance, the longer and thinner the screw is the lower its maximum RPM. By using a high pitch screw, you reduce the required RPM to reach a given machine movement speed.

If you're using quality components like ballscrews and linear rails, the additional cost of metal parts over wooden is minimal and will vastly improve the machine. Its like buying a Ferrari and running it on budget part-worn tires you got from your mate at the pub.