New summer project, first time using Arduino to work along side a Pi.
I want to make a saw that needs to cut wood accurately by moving a reasonably heavy saw head (250kgs) on the vertical axis with a maximum travelling distance of 1500 millimetres. So far I had been intending on using a stepper motor(s), something like a Nema 34 (whether that's powerful enough?) as a liner actuator on a screw thread.
My only concern is though yes in principle it would allow a high level of precision the actual transfer speed maybe considerably slower if moving the total distance available.
Are there any other suggestions? the cutting blade would be run by a hydraulic motor from tractor PTO pump, which could give options for a ram.
Could Arduino operate a spool valve (perhaps via a servo?), and if so, how could it accurately measure the distance it transverses, and/or stop on a defined location? laser? or some type of of timing belt?
I think the stepper is the easiest method which I was going to experiment on a smaller rig first. Just wondering if anyone else has done similar or input.
Appreciate any advise!
- James