2 steppers on same axis

[CanopyFx]

Hi
I am very new here and I am building a Plasma table that I also want to double for wood. I have tried to search on finding out how to have 2 steppers control one axis. For the x axis I want to have one servo on each side of the machine. Is it poissible to set the servos to run in parallel ? I was also thinking one servo and a belt drive for both sides. Please let me know the best way to do this.

Joe

[da21]

have the 2 x axis steppers totaly seperate as far as the mechanics go , and set up the 2nd x asis as a slave of the first in software , for example Mach2

or drive both axis from the same signal , but you then have to be careful that they sync together , alternativley belt drive or use a fixed gear train between both sides so they stay in step and track together

[CanopyFx]

Thanks
I have not yet explored the software so I was unaware of that option. I just wanted to know so I can get the table built correctly.

Joe

[ger21]

Like da21 said, Mach2/3 has a slaving option for that purpose. If using other control software, a lot of people use the step and direction signals for 1 axis, but send them to 2 drives.

Here's a nice setup with one motor and 2 belt driven screws. http://website.lineone.net/~rmtucker/

[ViperTX]

CanopyFX.....okay.....why do you wish to have 2 of each...steppers and servos...just wondering??

[CanopyFx]

CanopyFX.....okay.....why do you wish to have 2 of each...steppers and servos...just wondering??

I got carried away and used servo when I ment to say stepper.

Joe