Should stepper motors be covered?

[birchy]

I'm part-way through a Warco WM16 mill conversion. The machine will be cutting metal - primarily mild steel. Is it generally best to cover the stepper motors or will they be OK? My main concern is that steel swarfe + magnets = birds nest. The drive couplings (Oldhams & Pulleys/Belts) will be covered with fabricated sheet metal guards...I'm just wondering if I should extend these so that the motors will be cowled?

[JAZZCNC]

Yes IMO would be better if shields extended. . . . Certainly won't hurt it.!!

[birchy]

Yeah, that was my thinking as well. Will the steel guards cause any problems with motor interference or affect the magnets, etc? I'm assuming not, but being a "stepper virgin", it's best to check first...

[JAZZCNC]

No they will be fine.!