[hax0red]

I have read some comments about the PM-20/LV ect but not much on the PM-25 vs G0704 subject. I'm curious as to any advantages the PM-25 might offer as I do not have access to any equipment to fix ways ect since I am just starting out.

Also curious if I should go single or double ballnut? I'd like the most precision possible but I also hope to extend the Y to 9" in the future. Finally, I am looking at the KL-5056 steppers for X & Y and not sure if I should spring for the KL-5056D version after seeing cruddcnc's parts finish with them which is about what I'm aiming for in the long run.

Thanks and sorry if this has been covered. I searched google quite a bit before posting but it's possible I'm too newb to know the right way to ask these questions :cheers:

[pippin88]

I'm a big fan of digital stepper drivers. Much quieter and cooler running.

[109jb]

The PM 25 column is bolted on top of the machine base. The G0704 column bolts to the back of the base. If you want 9" Y axis travel, you will be hard pressed to get it from the PM-25. The reason is because some of the travel increase comes from overtravelling toward the column. With the G0704, you just need a spacer between the base and column, but would need a different solution for the PM-25.

Digital drives are nice, but as far as them affecting your finish, I don't see how a digital vs non-digital drive can do that. I have non-digital Keling KL-6050 drives on my G0704 and they run just fine. Your finish will be more affected by the rest of the machine rather than the stepper drivers you choose.

[CS900]

The PM-25 does come with a belt drive stock too. No plastic gears to break. I personally like that the column mounts on top of the base. It give it a larger footprint to mount to and provides better resistance to deflection.

You may also want to look at the PM727M. It's a bit more money, but it's a lot more machine and already comes very close to the 9" travel you are looking for.

[hax0red]

The PM-25 does come with a belt drive stock too. No plastic gears to break. I personally like that the column mounts on top of the base. It give it a larger footprint to mount to and provides better resistance to deflection.

You may also want to look at the PM727M. It's a bit more money, but it's a lot more machine and already comes very close to the 9" travel you are looking for.

Yeah the PM-727M is one I looked at but thought for the money a ZX45 would be a better alternative at $1800-1900 shipped. I am a little put off by the difficulty to convert these two machines though since I dont have access to a lathe or mill to build adapters & modify pullies. That said, I would love a 45 sized machine. The parts I have seen produced on them are up there in quality with the PNC1100 ect.

I do have a 3D printer setup I could use to print temporary brackets but I would still need to modify the pullies if I went with a belt setup which seems to be more common.