New to CNC! Need expert advise!

[AGSperry]

First of all I would like to thank you for contributing to my questions.

-I am new to CNC

-I am experienced in 2D and 3D design with AutoCAD (2 years of classes). I have not really used Solidworks, MasterCAM, or Mach 3 before though. I tend to learn new programs easily so I dont forsee that as any kind of problem.

-I have read up on the basics of how cnc machines work, what parts are required to build one, etc. With the right knowledge on whats better than what for specific applications, the build process will not be a problem.

-This will be my first cnc machine. I would like to build a 3-Axis with a rotational 4th Axis attachment.
-I dont forsee any projects that will be bigger than 3ft (W) x 4ft (L) x 1ft (H)
-The primary cuts will be baseball card sized with occasional 12" x 36" cuts in wood / plastic or softer material. I would like the ability to cut soft metal as well though if possible.
-The main thing about most of my cuts will be that they will be detailed 2.5D and 3D on the 4th rotational axis for decorative purposes so I would like the hardware I buy to be geared extremely heavy on Quality, Smoothness and Detail rather than worrying about speed. On a second note, I dont want it to be dead slow either if at all possible.

- I already have 2 desktops and a laptop so I will dedicate my extreme machine to the designing of the cuts and my older desktop to the cutting process. No excess computer cost.

A couple of questions that I have are:

-On the motors, are servo or step motors ideal for 3D cuts on a 3ft x 4ft table? What defines the speed vs Quality a motor can provide? Any professional recommendations without spending a fortune?


-How can I determine thread specs? Is it more threads equals slower and higher quality, less threads give faster speed but lower quality? What is a good recommendation for a 3ft x 4ft table that will give best speed without loss of quality? How does belt driven compare and how hard is that to implement or is it worth it?


-Driverboards, I dont even know where to start with these. Please advise as much info as possible so I can learn what would work the best?


-What do I need to know about bits and is there an overall decently priced bit set for a little of everything without burning a whole in my pockets? Or a bit set specific to 2.5D and 3D quality cuts? I need to learn more about bits.


-As for the software, Im not worried about cost because I know a friend that can get me a licensed copy for a major discount. I know autoCAD very well but ive read that solidworks is better for 3D, but Ive never used it. Ive also seen autocad inventor thrown around. What are your recommendations for best design software? Ive been checking out MasterCAM x4 and MasterCAM ART and they seem pretty cool but are they only for code creation and not so much for design? Lastly I havnt really seen anything other than Mach 3 for execution, is there anything better?

Would AutoCAD (Design), MasterCAM & MC Art (code), and Mach 3 (Execution) be a good software set to use for 2.5D / 3D detailed and rotational cutting?

Lastly what are good sources with rock bottom pricing for the build process, as well as common use / maintenance products ( IE bits, materials, etc ).

I would like to say that Im sorry for the length of my inquiry but I know that if the knowledge given in this thread is through and helpful, many others can benefit from this thread as well.

I will be looking forward to all of your experienced knowledge so that I can get my feet wet and start to get this very adictive hobby started.

Add: These are to videos that show similar things I would like to do with my machine
YouTube - CNC Router with rotary fixture YouTube - Artcam