Hello,
I've been lurking around for quite a while, not knowing much about CNC and machining in general, but liking the idea nevertheless, at least for routing my own PCBs.
Today I bought this "Compound Sliding Table": http://www.houseoftools.com/product.htm?pid=187674
and I'm having doubts already: maybe it's too big for my needs (I think mainly routing PCBs, but maybe small aluminum /plastic hobby robot parts), it weighs about 25Kg (50 pounds?).
-It has "backlash" (is that when I can rotate the screw a little back and forth without the table moving?). I hear that can be compensated for in software, but if true, why does everyone want zero-backlash ball-screws? Maybe I can use some springs, but then I'll need stronger motors... I think.
The biggest stepper I have is an old IBM one, 4.5V, 1.4A and I don't know other specs; I'm not sure if it's strong enough (IBM PN 1476996, STEP SYN 103-820-6) to move the bottom axis.
I'm thinking maybe I should think lighter and continue the wood (imitation) and aluminum with drawer slides I started a little while ago... it won't mill metals, but it might be easier to route PCBs with it...
Any thoughts/recommendations, please?
Thanks,
Cat