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IndustryArena Forum > WoodWorking Machines > DIY CNC Router Table Machines > Rotating Nut Ball Screw for dual X axis
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Posts
    10

    Arrow Rotating Nut Ball Screw for dual X axis

    I am tring to decide between Ball Screw or Rack and Pinion for the Drives on a 6' X 4' CNC router table.

    Accuracy as well as cost is important!

    Rack and Pinion seems to be a cheeper option but accuracy is lacking. I have thought of using a 20mm Rolled Screw fixed at either end and then rotating the nut to provide the motion. Thus whip should not be a problem.

    Is this a sound approach to this problem?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    Rack and poinion can be very accurate if done correctly. You just need to gear it down to get the required resolution, and use some method of keeping the pinion tight to the rack.

    Rotating the nut will work great if you can fabricate all the necessary parts to make it work. Our $100K plus router/machining center uses a rotating nut on a 12' screw.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Posts
    10

    Arrow

    Thanks Gerry,
    The main problem in Australia is we do not have access to cheap CNC parts. ie it cost me $Aus4000 for 2x2400mm/thk sr25 and 2x1500mm thk sr15 Linear rail.

    I am thinking of buying Rack and Pinion from Mcmaster.com Do you know if their Rack is of a suitable accuracy? - they seem very economical.
    If I can achieve 0.004" per foot I would be happy with rack and pinion.

    regards, Bruce

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