Hi
I am completely new to CNC machines. It has been a while now that I have gained interest in CNC machines and am now on the point where I want to buy one. Should I get a lead screw or rack and pinion machine?
The two machines I have in mind are almost priced the same and both have a table size of around 3 feet (1000mm). The lead screw machine has a working area of about 27.5" (730mm) on X and 31.8" on Y (810mm). Rack and pinion is about about 31.5" (800mm) (also X and Y) -- both machines' Z-axis is lead screw.
This will initially be for my woodworking hobby, but I am planning to turn my hobby into a small scale commercial workshop, so I need accuracy as well.
1. Will I experience screw whip over roughly 3 feet? From what I read is that it is 'safe' to use screws up to 4 feet?
2. Is there a noticeable difference in accuracy between these two?
3. What is the best size spindle to use in these machines? The lead screw has an option for a 1.5kw or 2.2kw water cooled spindle and rack and pinion comes with a 1.5kw air cooled spindle.
4. Will the speed of rack and pinion be useful with the spindle options?
It may be worth mentioning that the wood thickness that will be cut most of the times will most likely be around 1/2" or 3/4" (12 - 19mm) and 99% either plywood or pine (my first project in mind will be 21mm pine plywood - useless info, maybe?).
I will appreciate your input - even if it is directing me to another article that explains the above in a way that a newbie can understand.
Thanks!