Ok, now I have got the bug to build a CNC router table and could use some advise on motor selection and drive selection.
I am hoping to build either a 4' x 4' or 4' x 2' machine. I plan on using a either small router motor unit or a edge trimmer unit for the cutting power. Most of the construction materials will be aluminum and steel tubing for the main frame structure. I will be using ballscrews for the Y and Z axises and most like a rack and pinion system for the X axis unless I can find a good deal on some longer ballscrews. I want to be able to cut wood, MDF, foam, plastic, carbon fiber and maybe some thin aluminum plate. Will probably be using V-Rails for the longer X axis and linear rails or Thompson bars and pillow block bearing for the Y and Z. The mechanical parts I won't have too much problems with since we build 3 to 5 axis scanning systems were I work as a machininst. It's the electronic parts I am a newbie to.
(1) Do I go with servo motors (pricy but more reliable I have heard) or use stepper motors?
(2) Should I use AC or DC motors and what voltage?
(3) What is the minimum amount of torque the motor should have?
(4) What is minimum recommended resolution of the encoder or stepper required?
(5) What type of motor drivers should I get? (easy to work with and setup)
(6) Since I plan to program in G-Code what controller unit should I get?
As for my budget, it is limited like alot of us hobbist but I would rather put the money into the most important part of the machine in my option. Good reliable electronics and motors. I will most like want to get all my motors, drivers, powersupplies and controller first so I can at least get them hooked up and start playing around with that part.
That is all the questions I can think of right now.
Any advise anyone could offer would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Carl