A Little Confused??

[BuckingFastards]

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

[ger21]

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.

[BuckingFastards]

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.

[ger21]

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.

[BuckingFastards]

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