Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

Hi Guys

I am going to start building a small CNC milling machine (X = 7", Y =
7", Z = 6") for machining PCB's and I am wondering what I should be
using for the Feed Screws? I am not sure if a small machine like this
warrants installing Ball Screws? What about using a good stainless
threaded rod and a split nut to adjust the backlash? I have a Sherline
Mill with Stepper mounted directly onto the screws and I find the travel
speeds to be very slow. Sherline use 18 threads per inch on their Feed
Screws.
What are you guys using for your feed screws? When using directly
mounted Stepper Motors, what would be a good thread pitch for reasonable
travel speeds?
Thanks for the help.

Bill