Wobblycogs CNC Mk2

[JAZZCNC]

Also - I got my wrist firmly slapped by Jazz for my design with the stepper motor mounted on the Z axis front plate...he said it should be on the Y axis plate instead to help keep it out of the way & reduce the weight on the z axis.

Nah nah not having that Geeky boy I only suggest or recommend if you choose to do it different then I don't give a toss, it's your loss. . Lol

I agree having the stepper on the front of the Z-axis isn't ideal but I don't see it being enough of a problem for me.

It's not a problem(my machines like that) just from experience the other way round is better, allows higher accelerations and Velocity and reduces chances of missed steps on Z axis when working hard doing 3D work.

As I see it there are a couple of other advantages as well, it's allowed me to lift the z-axis screw up away from the chips a bit and the weight of the stepper will act as a pre-load on that axis.

No advantages here in real use only Disadvantages.?
Chips will get in there no matter unless you cover, hence why I fully cover, May not be so pretty but it's the only way to keep chips out properly and increases component life too.
The extra weight of Ballscrew, 2 x bearing mounts, stepper motor, Stepper mount, belts & pulleys makes a considerable difference to the acceleration you can achieve and extra weight will cause missed steps if motors pushed remotely close to it's corner speed.

The extra weight acting has preload is hardly worth the costs in performance and extra stress on motor/drive.

Again not saying it won't work because it does, just works much better other way.!!