Hi Rod,
Will this complement your X3 or be a replacement?
I've been considering doing something similar to my mill since your last mill build as the column is VERY poor to say the least. You've probably already considered this but what do think about turning the table around and having the Y axis stepper inside the column out of the way? Do you think cutting a hole in the steel box for the stepper would compromise the rigidity of the column? Another possible issue might be dissipating the heat from the stepper motor. I'm probably just unnecessarily over complicating things but it would be so nice to have that stepper motor out of the way.
John |