There's ballscrews and then there's ballscrews. The extruded variety offer no greater accuracy than a properly designed R&P system.

Ground ballscrews do provide better accuracy and repeatability but on a large router they're superfluous IMHO. The inaccuracies caused by warpage, bowing etc. will probably be more important.

IMO the rigidity of the machine is just as important as the drive system.


As for the Shopbot/Shopsabre debate I think that the intended use is the determining factor. For prototyping/3D work I would probably choose the Shopsabre. For low production rates of cabinets/tables I would probably choose the shopsabre.

Back to the original question in this thread.... Looks like the guy is looking for door trimmings AND he's just getting into CNC. I would go with the Shopbot here with no problems.

Just my long and winded 2c