Changing your lead screws from a tight to a lose lead will definitely make your machine move faster as long as your stepper motors can handle the new torque that the lead screws will impose.

Here is an example of a speed change from one lead screw to another:
- Existing constants in the example: Stepper Motor steps 200, microstepping 1/8 making the total steps 200 * 8 = 1600.
- Old lead screw: 1/2" allthread = 13 threads per inch (UNC)
- New Lead Screw: 1/2" 5 starts, 10 TPI = 10 / 5 = 2 turns per inch

Old lead screw would achieve a steps per inch of:
1600 / (1 inch / 13 turns) = 20,800 steps per inch (You can also express the calculation as 1600 * 13 = 20,800 steps/inch)

New lead screw would achieve a steps per inch of:
1600 / (1 inch / 2 turns) = 3200 steps per inch

You can see that the new lead screw requires far fewer steps to get to the same length of travel. If you maintained the same velocity for both examples, the new lead screw would travel the same distance 13/2 = 6.5 times faster. So, if your velocity was say 10 ipm, your new velocity would be 65 ipm. That would translate to far fewer burned edges and longer end mill life!

Just remember, confirm that your motors will be able to handle the new lead screw. You will need to reduce the steps/inch causing the motor torque to increase quite a bit, so you should be fine.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I want to increase my travel speeds. Can I change the lead screw to make my machine quicker?

If the turns per inch on a lead screw is different, then the nut on the lead screw will move at a different velocity.

Additional Information:
Let me explain in more detail.

Let's say you have two lead screws:

- 1/2" 5 starts at 10 TPI = 2 turns per inch. (5 starts / 10 TPI = 1/2 inches per turn or 10 TPI / 5 Starts = 2 turns per inch.)

- 3/8" 2 starts at 10 TPI = 5 turns per inch. (2 starts / 10 TPI = 1/5 inches per turn or 10 TPI / 2 starts = 5 turns per inch.)


So, if two stepper motors (one connected to the 1/2" lead screw and the other connected to the 3/8" lead screw) turned 10 revolutions in 2 seconds, the 1/2" lead nut would travel 5 inches and the 3/8" lead nut would travel 2 inches at the 2 second mark.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
If I buy the 1/2" 5 start lead screw and the 3/8" 5 start lead screws will it all work together

Depending on the size of your CNC machine, it will vary the length required for your application.
Please verify the CNC machine, and we can go into detail on the specific lengths or methods for the linear guide mechanics.

We sell our ACME Screw (1/2" per inch), also our longest length of ACME Screw is 76-3/4".

Click the link to add information to this solution:
Hi, I need the lead screw and bearings for x/y/z axis of the CNC. What is the length of "1/2" Lead Screw per inch (Steel)"?

ArtCAM is excellent for engraving applications. ArtCAM is a great generall purpose CAM software, but there are excellent examples of coin making and other engraving applications. Check out the videos tutorials here: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/CAM-SOFTWARE-artcam

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I am considering my own cnc engraver I will be engraving nickel silver, ferrules that are tapered throufght the length. they are 24mm on one end down to 21mm on the other. my question is which software would suit me for this type of engraving?

On the top of the stepper motor drivers is a grid with the appropriate toggle switch positions for the lead screw being used. If it is 2 turns per inch, the proper toggle switch positions would be 01101110. Try this and see if it works.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
What are the toggle switch settings on the stepper motor drivers for the .5 in. lead screw 10 tpi 2 turns per inch? Thankyou!

It sounds like you got a misprinted book. If you purchased it from us, please contact us directly for a replacement. If you bought it from Amazon or a third party, you'll need to contact them. General information about lead screws is available on this website and at buildyourtools.com.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
Just bought Build Your own CNC Machine book. It is missing the chapter on lead screws that is described on page 181 at the end of Chaprer 16. Where can I get this info?

The formula for finding the steps per mm is found in the units itself. First, you mentioned that the motor is a servo. This needs to be clarified as a servo is different than a stepper motor. Some servos behave similar to a stepper motor, so I will continue with this in mind.

The formula is (steps/mm):

You need to find the steps. The stepper motor has a natural number of steps per a full revolution. This is typically 200 steps per revolution.

The driver for the stepper motor allows you to increase the number of steps per revolution by adding a specified number of steps between each step. For instance, if you set the driver to 1/4 microstepping, then instead of having 200 steps per revolution, you would have 200 x 4 = 800 steps per revolution.

So now we have the first part of the formula:

Steps / mm = (200 x 4) / mm

Lets determine the mm side of the formula:

You mention that the pitch is 0.5 mm. Check to insure that the lead is also 0.5 mm. This could be a multiple start lead screw where the pitch is different than the turns per mm. If in this case, that the 0.5 mm is the travel for one full revolution, then you can simply plug this into the formula as:

mm = .5 mm

Otherwise, determine how fat the travel is for one complete revolution.

Therefor, with what we know and the driver is set at 1/4 microstepping and the stepper motor has a natural step count per revolution at 200:

steps / mm = (200 steps x 4) / 0.5 mm = 800 steps / 0.5 mm = 1600 steps / mm

If your travel for one revolution is not 0.5 mm, then plug in your travel distance instead.



Additional Information:
i know about steps/mm calculation for stepper motor, because i am using servo motor that why i asked about that. please tell for servo motor.

Additional Information:
because its my first time with servo motor i have no idea about calculation of parameter with servo.

Additional Information:
Have you attempted to contact the manufacturer or seller of the servo? We typically respond to customers of our products on this customer service area, unless we have extensive knowledge of the subject and can answer the question efficiently.

Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
hello there, i am using servo motor for my X and Y Axis but i dont know how to calculate steps/mm for that, the lead screw i am using is have pitch of .5 mm. please helpme on this i have done everything only this point is pending.

No they will not come in that length as a default, we would contact the buyer to ask specific lengths due to the total length purchased.

However if you order the 1/2" lead screw we can get them cut to the specific length you require, by contacting us here or call us at 281-815-7701.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
If I order 19ft of the 1/2" lead screw will it come in three 6'5" lengths by default? This is what I need. Thanks

BYCNC Response:
This is correct. You will need to use a method appropriate for the software you are using. Also remember that NC switches are typically wired in series, while NO switches are normally wired in parallel.

User Response:
I am using the cnc planet software for your USB board. Are the limit configurations in this software?

BYCNC Response:
Yes, Planet CNC software is compatible with the use of limit switches. Configuration information will depend on your specific application. You can view Planet CNC's information here: http://www.planet-cnc.com/files/CNCUSBController.pdf

Click the link to add information to this solution:
LIMIT SWITCHES FOR AXIS. THE PRINT SHOWS THAT YOU CAN WIRE LIMITS EITHER N.O. OR N.C. SO IF THIS IS CORRECT I WOULD NEED TO TELL BOARD IN SOFTWARE HOW LOOK AT THESE LIMITS, I'M GOING GET AN INPUT LOOSE DEPEND ON IT.

All of our controller will allow two steppers on any of the axes. Multiple stepper motors and drivers on a single axis is more a function of the way the stepper motor drives are connected to the output pins of the controller. To connect two stepper drivers to a single axis, you need to connect the output pins (dir and step) to each of the two stepper motor drivers.

Consider the controller on cost, features and how they are connected to the computer.

Out lowest cost controllers are:

Mach3 USB board - Has good features and uses the USB from the computer as the main connection
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

Parallel Breakout - The computer generates the main signals and this board conditions the signals for the drivers. Although it requires the parallel port from older computer, the board has the most broad compatibility with control software out there including Mach3 and LinuxCNC.
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay

Highest cost but most feature rich:

Pokey57CNC - works with both Mach3 and Mach4
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I am looking for a controller for a 3 axis dual Y stepper cnc machine. If at all possible I would like a list of the parts that will be needed. I prefer to go with an ethernet setup vs a parallel port.

The leadscrew length for the greenBull long Z-axis is 47 inches.

Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
BUILDING ONE OF YOUR GREENBULL 6X LONG AND 2.2 KILOWATT SPINDLE DOES NOT FIT. SEEMS LEAD SCREW YOU SENT WITH KIT IS SHORT 42" LOOKS LIKE IT NEEDS TO BE 5 OR 6 INCH LONGER. THIS CORRECT? WHAT THE NEEDED LENGTH FOR UNIT?

When buying any of our ACME screws, if the entire length or lengths is desired please send us an email or a call, to specify the actual length needed! But if no call or email is sent previous of the order then, we will give the customer a call or email to find the exact lengths that they will require.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
when buying 1.5m of 1/2" Lead Screw per inch (Steel) does it ship as a whole rod or do i need to specify what lengths i need?

What is the weight of the gantry, number of teeth on the drive sprocket and tooth pitch?

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I build a 3 axis router CNC the gantry is heavy in aluminium plate, witch plug n'play kit you suggest me 1 or two motor on the longest axis this will be drive with chain?

We currently only stock 2 start lead screw for the 3/8".

Click the link to add information to this solution:
how long are your lead screws 3/8 and how much ? looking for 3/8 see my previous question what is the minimum length and how much per inch

Yes, it is feasible to create a machine with a cutting area of 13'x15'. Your mechanical and structural systems will need to be able to span a bit more than the 13' if that will be the axis travel along the gantry.

We have not cut carpet with our lasers, but I don't see why not. With that said, be extremely careful with the materials in the rug. Read the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for the rug you intend to cut as some materials will emit corrosive and harmful gases and chemicals when lased.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
Hi I want to build a cnc laser table 13'x15' cuttting area. Is this feasible. Also would the 80watt laser be enough power to cut through carpet

if you purchased the USB interface, you will need planet-cnc software rather than Mach3, and you will need a usb cable to connect the usb interface to the computer.

The blackToe 2x4 CNC Machine Kit with optional table will need wire to connect the electronics. Don't forget to get some end mills to use for cutting the intended material.


Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
if buy a 3 axis cnc combo, which software would I need for working this combo?

Dealing with a 4' x 12' machine, our blackFoot kit will be your best option. Since our machines are only limited to the width but not length wise, you can add however much extra rail and roller chain to accommodate your extended length. Now adding our 4th axis kit (https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/axes-4th) will be needed for your 4th axis (unless custom design is required).

These items will be the best requirements to build a 4' x 12' 4th axis machine.
Machine (either parallel/USB BoB): https://www.buildyourcnc.com/blackFoot48v40.aspx
4th axis: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/axes-4th

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I am looking to set up a long table, 4 x 12 foot I would need to cut wood of modest density less than 1 inch thick, and I would also need to bevel some of the cuts, so I think this is a four axis unit. Which of your kits plus upgrades would make sense? I am very capable of assembly of a bunch of boxes full of parts.

Sure, not a problem at all. You will need to call our office and provide your information so that we can change the correct order.

Our phone number can be seen by hovering over the "Need Help?" at the top right of each page.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
hi, would like to make a change on my order, i purchase this part 2.2kW Spindle with 220V Inverter $528.00, and would like to make it for 110 volts instead of 220v. please

You can download a trial version of PlanetCNC software from their site at http://www.planet-cnc.com/index.php?page=software to see how you like the interface. If you look at their main GUI screen, along the left side you will see 4 boxes labeled X,Y,Z and A. These represent the axes the software is equipped to control. (A being Axial, or rotational motion) Typically a separate motor and driver is used to control each axis. If you plan to switch axes you will need to connect and disconnect the outputs from your software to the drivers.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
sorry, this is what i meant to say: OK, so if I use the USB version then I would find the rotary/linear axis definitions in the planet cnc control software somewhere. I will be needing to change axis type often for various projects that is why I am asking.