Originally Posted by
Huzzah
Hello, I'm starting to do some research to figure out what I want to buy and had a couple of simple questions. Seems I can find answers to the harder questions but not the easier ones!
I'm assuming it doesn't matter if the threading is right hand or left hand?
How big of difference does finish make to performance, or is it all about rust prevention? Specifically, I'm looking at the cost difference of stainless vs black-oxide vs steel and wondering what the best choice is.
Is Acme threading the same as Hi-Lead? I was looking at Roton and looking at 1/2"-10 lead screws. All multi-start screws are listed as Hi-Lead. The reason I want to know is to determine if I can buy the anti-backlash nuts from dumpstercnc.com which state they are for acme threads.
Thanks,
Steve
Left or right thread should not matter since Mach3 lets you easily reverse the motor rotation. You can also reverse the motor wires on one phase to do the same thing.
Stainless is expensive but has no serious rust issues. Not sure how anodized lead screws will affect delrin lead nuts since I have not used that combination myself.
Two start has a higher lead angle than one start and is why it is called "faster" since it moves twice the distance in one rotation. You will lose a small amount of resolution though. Screws are available in up to 8 starts (individual grooves). 5 and 8 start screws are commonly used on home built CNC machines for woodworking. For accurately machining aluminum the 1 or 2 start ACME screws will give better accuracy at the lower inch per minute speeds that metal machining typically needs. There are lots of trade-offs to consider as you buy or design your machine.
CarveOne
CarveOne
http://www.carveonecncwoodcraft.com