.
Hi
This is my first post here and still finding my way around the site.
I am currently building a 4 axis milling machine using a converted Taylor hobson engraving machine.
Using Mach3
breakout boards from here
http://medw.co.uk/wiki/index.php?pag...Breakout+Board
Stepper motors and driver from here
http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Stepper-Motors
Now on my horizontal X and Y axis everything seems fine, motors tuned and turning fine with no missed steps. However on the Z axis I have a much bigger motor 650Ncm (http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalo...Stepper-Motors) and the 4.2A driver (http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalo...tepper-Drivers)
Now I have mounted the motor directly on to the exisiting axis spindle drive and although the the required torque is well below the specification of the motor I am having problems I am still seem to be loosing steps. The motor has to turn very slowly or the missed steps get worse. I have improved things by increasing the steps per rev on the motor driver (via dip switches) but stiil not right. I can easily turn the spindle by hand so the motor shouldn't be working that hard
Now the questions is how slow can these motors turn?
Is there an optimal speed range they work best?
Should I look at driving indirectly via a reduction mechanism (gears or pulleys)?
Thanks Brian