Hi to all, after much research I'm still in two minds as to use reduction gearbox or reduction belt assembly.

Proposed machine- 3 m x 1.5 m combination router/plasma, rack and pinion on all axis, stepper motors of either 1200 oz or 1600 oz, dual racks either side on X axis.

I have a good price for 1600 motor and combine reduction gearbox of 7.5 to one....what are the pitfalls of this set-up as against a belt drive system....would backlash be a problem ?

Are there any other issues I should be aware of before I commence.

And yes I have searched for these answers but am still left in a little doubt through conflicting opinions, so a consensus of real application would be great appreciated.

Regards Xrayxray.