Dual Steppers or Timing Belt for Dual X-axis?

[GEBrown]

In my project I need two lead/ball screws to drive the X-axis.

I can connect the two with a timing belt and use a single stepper motor or I can use two stepper motors slaved together.

I'm new to all this, so my question basically boils down to "How hard is it to get 2 stepper motors to run identically?"

My setup is a HobbyCNC Pro 4-axis board and 305 oz/in stepper motors. Mach3 software.

Thanks!

Gary

[Mariss Freimanis]

Running two motors that way is no problem. What you have to consider what will happen if one motor stalls and the other keeps on trucking. Consider a belt between screws if that situation can damage the mechanism.

Mariss

[ger21]

How hard is it to get 2 stepper motors to run identically?

In Mach3, go to Config>Slaving and check a box. That's it.

The majority of medium to large routers built by members here use slaving in mach3.

[GEBrown]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Given that damage could occur, and the low mass that I'm trying to move, I'm going to go with direct driving one screw and a timing belt between the two.

Helpful folks here as always.

Gary