For the mini lathe, Im going to have to say steppers for sure, probably higher power nema 23 frame motors are good. I have been talking to the guy over at xylotex and it sounds like he might be putting out a 2 axis board soon. I am debating weather or not I want to make up a few kits for this machine or not and how much they will cost.
The problem with the mini lathe is that there is no room for ballscrews in the X axis. that is unless you find some rather small ballscrews with small nuts. I know that when they get that small they get quite expencive.
If you stick with the regular screws, you by no means need microstepping drives, or 1/2 step or 1/4 step at the most in my opinion. With my gekos I have resolution down to .00004" wich is pretty pointless in having.
Jon |