Thunterman
Your machine is looking good. I finished my about 6 months ago and have been down some of the same roads you have. I used ½ 10 acme screws on mine and have been happy with the speed. But I’m running 276oz steppers, which I think might be a good upgrade for you in the future. As for the software end of things I tried just about every demo under the sun. After many hours I had settled on Mach2/3 for heart of things and then Sheetcam and Meshcam. That way I could cover the 2.5D and any 3D work. Then I stumbled on a demo copy of Vcarve. When I saw the price I had my doubts. But I after beating up the demo and about 50 emails to their support guys (who are great by the way) I took a chance and bought a copy and I couldn’t be more then happy. I’m not sure what you plan on using your machine for but if it’s signs, carvings and 2.5D work, etc you can’t beat Vcarve.
Two threads you should check out if you haven’t already are:
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15995 http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12332
Also being a fellow programmer I had ideas of writing something of my own. But then the thought accrued to me that I can spend all that time writing something and working out all the bugs or I can start using my machine now.
Well good luck with your build, and no I don’t work for Vertric. I just think bang for the buck it’s pretty good stuff. There’s my two cents, use them as you see fit.