ok, bits ordered (warning: communication with chai is a bit difficult, generally a one day delay with every message due to time zone) then, when you do get a reply its questionable if he has undertood your meaning).

X Axis
* 2 x RM1610 screws(1603mm Total length) I need (1500mm) of screw, so 1500mm PLUS one end machined to type A (except dimension F to be 25mm instead of 15, and the other end machined again to type A, but without any F
* 4 x BK12 fully supported bearing with supported block mouting
* 2 x ballscrew nut
*2 x SBR25 1600mm fully supported rail with 4 bearing blocks

Y Axis
*1 x RM1610 Screw (This one, id like the TOTAL length to be 1000mm, but one end machined to type A (except dimension F to be 25mm instead of 15, and the other end machined again to type A, but without any F
* 2 x BK bearing with supported block mouting
* 1 x ballscrew nut
* 2 x SBR20 fully supported rail (1000mm) (with 4 bearing blocks)

Z Axis
*1 x RM1605 Screw (This one, id like the TOTAL length to be 300mm, but one end machined to type A (except dimension F to be
25mm instead of 15, and the other end machined again to type A, but without any F
* 2 x BK bearing with supported block mouting
* 1 x ballscrew nut
* 2 x SBR20 fully supported rail (1600mm) (with 4 bearing blocks)


So, I now have some momentum. Im a few hundred quid lighter. But most importantly the ball is rolling. So now not just out of my depth :D BALLS DEEP and out of my depth.

Just have to wait for my contact to return from South Africa, to make an order for the box section to commence making the table. (hopefully will have this by the end of next week (mon 19th)

I have soo many questions, Ive tried my hardest to research them before asking, but straight answers from the experienced is so much easier! as often you go off and read something, then come back here and read contradictions and end up banging your head against the wall and opening another beer.

So some questions gents. First one; what am I searching for in order to get videos, detail etc on the process of software behind creating a work-peace once the machine is made. Is there such thing as a machine simulator? I understand Mach3 simply takes an input file.. a dxf? So I can draw the workpeace in autocad {if i had a licence} -- what about sketchup?. What is and why do people use solidworks?

Second One;
Anybody want to face inevitable persecution and real off a list of recommended electronics? or maybe even just the electronics your using so I can copy!. I have previously mentioned what steppers I have,

Nema23 Stepper Motor 3.1Nm x 3

I understand the trick is more voltage to the stepper the better.

I read good things about these Leadshine AM882's for controllers.... anygood? thoughts?

can anybody suggest anything better? Realistically, im not going to build my own power supply to then plug it into the hundreds of pounds worth of controllers ive just bought.... il just spend a little bit more a buy a power supply aswell. Reccomendations?


then, the other big question is breakout board... /controller board. I like the idea of one of these Cat5 units (as my computer is firmly mounted in workshop and usb and parrelel has a finite distance)


Finally, if I use 3mm steel box section. Im going to need to drill and tap it to accept bolts that will affix the linear rails etc. Therefore is 3mm thick enough?


look forward to your replies.

Once my machine is done, and I have used it a few times. The next thing Is I plan to hold an open evening. All will be invited to my workshop for coffee and cakes. The idea being anybody who (like me) is just coming into this, feels ridiculously out of their depth, and wants to see a machine work, see the process from start to finish and ask limitless stupid questions and get straight answers can attend! You all Watch this space :-D