Motor and Drive selection

[EddyCurrent]

I would like to 'slave' 2 motors to run the 'X'. Will I need separate drivers?

Yes you will but you could use one motor and drive the other screw via a long timing belt.

Can I mix and match with motion options? If I use Timing Belts on X & Y is it ok to use Acme thread on the Z?

I don't see why not, each axis is it's own little 'system', you just need to make sure the parameters are correct in your software so that when told to move 200mm, it actually moves 200mm.

There seems to be a huge choice of Nema 23's all with different No.s.. how do I know what is my best choice?

Obviously choice depends upon your particular application but most people use 3.1Nm motors. My machine cuts wood at 900 x 600 and I used these ones; http://www.cnc4you.co.uk/index.php?r...ory&path=83_85 They work well.

Polar, Bipolar, Unipolar, 4,5,6,8 wires? help..

This is a useful read; https://www.geckodrive.com/gecko/ima...cs%20Guide.pdf
Most people use the bipolar parallel connection.

I am not quite sure what a 'Breakout' board does

Just what it says, it breaks out the wiring from your machine to the controlling PC. If you look at most boards they have a PC parallel port and several rows of terminals. The computer connects to the parallel port and your drivers, limit switches, etc. connect to the terminals. Instead of using a PC parallel port, as these have been phased out now, you can use an interface board such as a Smooth Stepper that connects via USB or Ethernet.

And finally software.. I am reasonably experienced with Sketchup and have downloaded SketchUcam which seems to bypass Mach3 (being cheap again) to give me the Gcode. I think this will give me the facility's I am hoping for. Is it possible to have Manual control with a Joystick or something.. does only certain Drivers give you that option?
I am sure you can gauge my level of (in)competence from this post. Thanks

SketchUcam produces G code from drawings, Mach3 enable a computer to control your machine hardware, G code is the instructions that Mach3 uses to move the machine in such a way that your drawing is realised in wood etc. So SketchUcam does not bypass Mach3, you need three pieces of software basically, CAD, CAM, controlling software e.g. Mach3.

For manual control you can use a device like this; http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MACH3-CNC-...item1c33379d0a
or there are more expensive ones and some people make their own from X Box controllers and the like.

Finally I would say that if you build a 'budget' machine you will get 'budget' results. From what you have described I would have used none of that stuff, I know there are videos showing MDF made routers and they seem to work but I think you will be disappointed with the results. Have a look at these build threads to get an idea of what you should be thinking about.
http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/253-DI...ter-Build-Logs