Gday,

Just chasing everyone's opinion on which would be the most effective/accurate method for driving the X-axis on a 3mtr x1.5mtr router bed?

Either a rack and pinion arrangement or a ball/lead screw setup??

i understand for a rack and pinion drive setup, that the table would need to be driven from both sides to avoid 'racking', which then adds the extra cost of another motor,gear rack, gears etc. to the build.

Or would a ball screw, centrally driven between the gantry legs be better? This configuration would be ideal but i am unsure whether or not you can get a lead screw shaft this long?

The router is being designed for primarily cutting aluminum sheet, so is being sized to handle standard 2440x1220 sheet dims.

Any info would be greatly appreciated

cheers