[CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Stepper for Homier and other questions

I have recently joined this group, and have been following the discussions and have a couple of questions that I'm sure this group can answer.

I'm thinking of trying to automate a Homier mini-mill. I am wondering what is the "standard" stepper used to automate this mill and what might be a good source for those motors ? I've seen the dicussion on feed rates, etc, but assume that there are probably several Homiers already automated.

Also, what is typically done for the Z axis feed ? I have seen some mods with an acme screw.

Is it necessary or wise to go to ball feeds on the X and Y axis (and Z) ?

I think my approach is to assemble the modules rather than buy a pre-packaged kit. I have been looking at the Gecko drives. I am just starting to look at ths software, Turbocnc, Dolphin, Vector, etc, etc. One feature that I think would be nice is to be able to work from AutoCad drawings. Certainly the price for Turbocnc ( $20 ?) would make it easy to get started.

I'm not sure if I have the whole picture. One of the above software packages runs on the PC that outputs (parallel port ?) to the 3 Gecko's that drive the steppers. A power supply runs the Gecko / Steppers. Is that all, or am I missing something ?

Terry
Northwest PA