Hello i have been lurkin gin the back ground for a while now and would like some tips on a machine. I thought i would follow the "JGRO" plans. A mate of mine is an engineer and has alsorts of tools in his work shop(works from home own business).

We are thinking about a machine for carving signs into timber , mdf, etc .

The outer demensions of the machine will be 3ft x 5ft long. The base with x axis pipes will all be made out of 1/2 inch steel plate. The gantry out of 1/2 inch aluminium plate.

Reason being the stenght and weight will hold the tabel steady and the gantry will be rigid but still light. We are upgrading the pipe to inch and a 1/4 .

Would stepper motors be ok for a machine this size ?? if so what would be the best toruque?? also how much would its cost me for the drivers etc to hook up the steppers to the computer??

What is the cheapest but best option for the lead screws and at what pitch ??

I have read this entire thread from begining to end and all i can say is WOW. Its alot to take in even if over a few weeks :)