Good Day everyone. I am a little confused.. I want to build a cnc router and the table size will be 36" (X-axis) 53" (Y-axis) and 15" (Z-axis) eventually i will like to add more axis. I was thinking of having my router belt driven. So all of my axis are running with belts. Do you think that will work for this size router?? I was thinking it would be best for me because i am new to this and to me belts would seem like the easist option. I was thinking of using stepper motors from www.homeshopcnc.com and was going to use 2 (400oz) stepper motors for the X-axis and Y-axis, and 1 (1200oz) stepper motor for the Z-axis. Is this enough power because i want to use a real router not a dremel or anything?? And my other question is that i know that i will use rhino3d to design my parts and everything but could i use just rhino3d and Mach3 to produce my parts or will i need a CAM program or other stuff?? I know this is a lot of questions but i just need a little bit of stuff cleared up before i start this project. :)

Thanks

I've seen quite a few people build 4x8s with belt drive, so you shouldn't have a problem if you use the proper belts.

I'm assuming you're planning on a screw for the Z, or were you going to use a belt drive there too? Most likely 400 oz would be plenty for a Z-axis, 1200 would be overkill.

Mach3 can import 2D .dxf files from Rhino and convert them to g-code, but if you want to do 3D parts, or have more control over you're 2-1/2D parts, then you'll need a CAM program.

Oh Oh Oh.............Thanks Gerry!! That helped alot now i understand clearly and yes i was going to use a belt on the Z-axis also it would be the easist for me. Ok and 1200oz would be overkill u say even if i use a heavy router?? I thought that the little stepper would not be able to lift that router?? Hmmmmmmmm...........Oh well that works now i will be saving more money :) I also meant to mention that could i use a belt with no teeth like a treadmill belt or would i have to use a belt with teeth?? I was just thinking that if i used a treadmill belt than i would have very good accuracy because there is no gaps inbetween.

You need to use a timing belt, with teeth, or you'd get belt slipping. There are many different profiles, some have more backlash than others. There's a lot of belt info at www.sdp-si.com You'll also probably want to use some type of gear reduction on that Z-axis. If you plan on direct drive, you will need more power, and you'll also have lower resolution.

Ok well thanks again that pretty much clears up everything. You guys will be hearing more from me when i start building. :)