I have a 4'x4' Fineline machine with nema 23 motors.I have been working through issues with the motors losing steps and stalling even when slowing the machine way down. I guess what I bought was just too weak to handle the weight of the machine. I have sort of decided to go with a set of clearpath motors so I can max out the machine and not have to worry about the machine skipping steps on me anymore.
I was thinking of upgrading my nema 23 setup to a nema 34 setup for the stronger belts (I imagine this would help reduce backlash at higher cutting rates/acceleration), but I have not heard back from Nate to upgrade my system to a nema 34 R&P. I was hoping to run a SDSK-3421S-ELN based on other users experiences, but am not sure how to upgrade my R&P. There is another option to keep the nema 23 1/4" shaft that I have with the SDSK-2331S-ELN. It is about $600 cheaper than the 3421S setup since I wouldn't need to change out the R&P and coupler on the Z axis. The only downside is the reduced amount of torque across the range. From 250IPM on, it is about on par with the Nema 34 kits offered by CNCrouterparts and Nate.
I guess I have two questions trying to make up my mind on which to get.
1. Since I haven't heard back from Nate, is the CNCrouterparts rack and pinion compatible with the FLA machine to go with the nema 34 setup.
2. Does anyone have any experience running these 2331S motors with a 1/4" shaft. Last thing I want is to spend a good chunk of change on a new setup and run into similar issues due to a weak link with the belts slipping or stretching with higher powered motors.
Thanks!