Suggestions please - Sizing router stuff

Hello

I have been surfing for the last 2 months trying to gain as much info
as I can. This group has been a big help in providing most of it. So
just want to say thanks for all the great info and get input from what
"I think" I want and if it will work.

I have no CAD/CAM/CNC machine experience, but want to learn to do some
basic cnc routing on a table I plan to build. Work area of the table
will be x=24 inches, y= 36 inches, and z=2-3 inches.

I will be cutting mostly wood (up to 1/4 inch), copper (up to 1/8
inch) and aluminum (up to 1/4 inch) and engraving.

I am an above average knowledge of pc hardware and such so that will
not be a problem.

Below is a list of what I have selected up to this point

Any comments on the software selection I made would be appreciated.
Ie. Good/bad chose for what I want to do? Something with a better
(lower) learning curve available?

Are the steppers the correct ones for my application or should I go
for bigger ones?

Want to to try and get this 80% correct first time around as my money
manager (wife) does not like it when I ask for more $$ to replace
something I bought when I find out it was the wrong item. :)

Any other suggestions would be appreciated also.
Thanks
George



DesignCad Express http://www.upperspace.com/
SheetCam www.sheetcam.com
Mach2 www.artofcnc.ca
or
Turbocnc www.dakeng.com

3 axis system kit
www.xylotex.com/3AxSysKit.htm
or
www.hobbycnc.com/cncpackages/4aupcpkg/4aupcpkg.htm
with the 200oz-in steppers