adding 3rd motor

[arelewis]

I'm currently using torchmate 2.14 with xy 4x8' cantilever.Iwant to change to gantry and enlarge to 5x10' my motors are 424 ozin steppers, will add a 2nd motor to move gantry along long axis. any problems with keeping 2 motors synchronized? is adding motor best way?

[joemic]

I use a 300 Ozin stepper to drive the gantry of 5'x10' machine with a timing belt ratio 4:1 without any problem. I think 2 motor system will create more unexpected proble. Make it simple is the best solution for machine.

Joe
AC Meca

[Torchhead]

A dual drive system (two motors, two motor drives, slaved signal) works very well and doubles the drive torque. I have been running a dual (slaved)gantry for 4 years now with MACH which allows slaving a drive. It uses separate Home swtiches for each side and provides a side benefit of changing the square of the gantry simply by moving the home switch on one side. I have them mounted on a slotted plate. The gantry will square each time you do a reference (home) move on that axis.

The other option it to use a long shaft and mount drive pinions on each side. Some are more comfortable with mechanical solutions whlie others like myself trust the electronics.

Tom Caudle
www.CandCNC.com

[PlasmaGuy]

Tom,

We spoke earlier this week on dual-drives. I have a drive shaft crossing my table

I'll go with your recommendations of a motor/side. The added torque is a major factor to consider.

My next step is to move upto a Windows OS and Mach3 system.

Merry Christmas

Tom

[joemic]

What is the advantage to using dual drive?
if need addition torque, is that better to use bigger motor with a drive shaft with pinion gear at both end?

Joe
AC Meca