2 motors vs 1 motor (my opinion)
Scott, I'm glad you found this build thread useful. I know when I started this journey, it was a bit daunting (to say the least). I spent many months just reading this forum, copy and pasting bits and pieces into my CNC build notes. With all the help from people on this forum, I was able to get a pretty respectable machine put together. I tried to put all my experiences down, so as to pay back for all the help I received.
Only having one motor on the Y axis has given me absolutely no problems. I think the need for two motors, comes down to two things; the length of your gantry and the type of material you will be cutting. My planned material to machine is wood and wood is a heck of a lot easier to machine than aluminum.
If I were planning to machine aluminum, there would be no doubt about it, two motors on the Y axis. Yes it's a bit more complicated and expensive than just one motor, but people have successfully done it before.
Good luck with your build and don't hesitate to ask questions. This is a great forum with lots of experience.
Re: 2 motors vs 1 motor (my opinion)
Rick,
Thanks so much for the info and encouragement. Like you, I have been reading everything I could find - but often that leads to even more questions. Just need to dedicate the time to sift through the info/data/opinions and formulate a plan, which I have been doing in the past month. Daunting is right! That's why I have not even attempted to put pen to paper (or I should say mouse to CAD) before I could digest all the info I could find.
I have built 1 small moving table, polycarbonate wheel based CNC already, and while is has cut some nice parts for me, the lack of rigidity and need for larger work area has led me down this path.
I had been leaning toward the dual set-up for the exact reasons you and Pippin suggest, and both of you have helped solidify that. I too will be documenting my experiences in the hope that others might benefit in the future. The info found on this site has been amazing, and I think with the help of the forum members (and threads like this one) I should be able to build a machine that will be rigid and satisfy my needs.
One decision I had made early in the process was the rough size/work area I would need, and to achieve that with quality linear rails and blocks - knowing that it might take some time to find the right deals on eBay. My first THK HSR rails and blocks arrived yesterday (pleasantly surprised at how heavy/rock solid they are!), so the work begins in earnest to get this design sorted and built.
Really appreciate the time you have spent to share your experiences, and I am sure I will call on this thread for help as I continue my own journey.
Scott