[Zephrant]

I'm working on plans for a 5'x9' (usable) router table. I'm having problems determine how much torque is "enough" for each axis. I'll be running mostly cast acrylic and wood, but want to be capable of running aluminum occasionally. It is unlikely that I would ever try to run steel. I would like to be able to hit pretty fast speeds in case I do some foam work (RC airplane wings and all).

The main need for the machine will be to cut out acrylic items for my saltwater aquarium business.

The design will use ball screws for each axis, .25 pitch for the X and .20 pitch for the Y/z.

I've been looking at things like the shopbot (305oz/in at 3.6:1 gear ratio), and others but see great differences in the motors used.

Can anyone give me any guidance here?

Zeph