Some basic questions...

Hi,

I'm starting down the CNC route, and would like to ask some questions
regarding my plans, before I make too many mistakes! If I list out the
salient points below, perhaps lister's could comment upon my thinking...

1. I have acquired 3 large stepper motors, they are 'Oriental Motor
VEXTA' devices, model number 3056-9412, rated at 2.9V / 3.3A and are 1.8
deg/step. Size wise, they have 70mm mounting centres and are 63mm deep.
A bit small , I know, but I'm not looking for speed. Probably about 300
oz/inch?. Question, The steppers are marked as '2-phase'. Could
anyone explain to me the significance of this?

2. I have a Bridgeport series-1 mill, in good condition. Do I really
*need* to buy zero backlash leadscrews, or will the CNC controller
software be able to calibrate out the backlash in the existing
leadscrews?.

3. On the topic of the Bridgeport, does anyone have a view on how best
to make the mechanical connection from the stepper to the X,Y,Z axis. I
am expecting to use a toothed belt system, and wonder if there are any
commercial kits of parts to simplify the attachment of the steppers?

4. I have not yet purchased stepper driver boards, Gecko's would be
nice, however I would like to use the cheaper Xylotex board instead,
even though it cannot drive the steppers I have at full power.

5. Software wise, I was planning to use the BDI (Brain Dead Install)
version of EMC on an old PC, and AutoCAD for drawing generation.

Thanks for all input, Peter Moreton