Ive cut more pieces today and had lots more missed steps on the x axis, i then realized the pinion was completely free on the x axis. The pinions are held with 2 M3 grub screws, one tightens onto the flat part of the stepper shaft. I have ordered some M3 cap head screws so i can get more tension into it, with the little grub screws i couldn't get that much tension into it as it was bending and twisting the hex key, i think this is the issue as it would also explain the small amount of missed steps i am getting with the Y axis, theirs 2 motors on the Y so if one came loose it would still be driven by the other.

Thanks Jazzcnc, The steppers are all wired in parallel, the supply voltage is 36V and i think i left it on 1/16th micro stepping in the end, Its not very smooth though you can really hear it when it accelerates and decelerates, I think im going to go for some reduction, ive been looking at the pulleys on CNC4YOU and i could get 3.333/1 ratio with a 15 tooth on the motor and a 50 tooth on a shaft to my 20 tooth pinion. What do people use for a shaft? Will M8 threaded rod work or should i go for some 8mm aluminum rod and tap one end to mount it onto a bearing? I think it should be possable to modify what ive already done and add in some reduction, ill try and work it out and do some drawings.

Yeah those stoves look great Eddycurrent , youve got me trying to think of ways to get a flu through my plastic roof... the problem is with my workshop is its got very little to hold the heat in, I think im just going to have to live with it for this winter at least.

Thanks again for your help guys!

James