Looks great Eric!
What’s the double stepper mount blocks? Thrust bearings?
Alan KM6VV
Yes it have some kind of thrust bearing on X and Y
Aren’t those sealed bearings? What happened to yours?
I’ve never had any problems with my steppers, nor heard of any reports of such damage on the CNC lists I frequent (and run).
I can recommend strain-relief on the cables.
Alan KM6VV
Were they pre-loaded, or did you have to assemble them? The proper adjustment will minimize backlash.
Alan KM6VV
I have an adjusting screw to put tension on the bearings.
It’s usually like a pair of nuts, or a locknut on the threaded lead-screw.
Alan KM6VV
Edited: make that threaded lead-screw. Normally steel, unless one is really thick, and being used as the drive nut. But that should follow the carriage.
It’s a pair of nuts on the 1/2 10 acme screw.
One to put the pressure and another to lock in place.
Those 2 nuts are made of delrin and are a bit poor quality.
But the do the work.
I used my CNC to route 1/8" and 1/4" PVC. It made a very fine powder that got past the sealed bearings. It took a few years but they failed. And it was clear what happened. My K2 router has the ends of all the motors covered with a large heat shrink. I’m thinking they do that for a reason. 
I’m sorry you never heard of it, but it’s a real problem nonetheless. 
That would explain it. I rarely get dust, unless I’m milling fiberglass, in which case I use a vacuum hose. Nasty stuff! My machining is mostly metal.
Hadn’t seen that on the K2, but I haven’t looked at it in years. I should probably consider that for my PCB router. Maybe put it under a hood.
Alan KM6VV
Yeah to make matters worse in my case I put the entire machine in a soundproof box and attempted to collect the dust from the enclosure. Bad idea. But things were running on a shoestring back then. I now know the proper way to collect the dust. 
How do you collect dust now? Pix, or commercial K2 version?
Alan KM6VV
I’ve got the dual vacuum attachment on the K2. I’m still in the process of setting up my new shop. But I have a good idea of the filtration system I will implement. A dual stage cyclonic dust collector with a massive Hepa final stage filter. 
All DIY! 8)
I was looking at something like that…
item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=380352495885&index=20&nav=SEARCH&nid=21895207975
Know a cheaper way?
Sounds like a great project! Looking forward to seeing it.
Actually, I think a lot of members would join me in saying we’d love to see a “tour” of your new diggs!
Alan KM6VV
Another video of the CNC.
The problem was really my cutting file. It was setup for 1/8 or maybe bigger tool.
Yup! That’s the way I do it!
I would comment that I use the handle of an old tooth brush, the flexible nylon (plastic?) kind to hold down the stock, rather then use my fingers! Using metal for this task can lead to a broken endmill or router bit. the flexible handle, on the other hand, will deflect, or take the abuse of an endmill without damaging (breaking) the cutter.
What CAD/CAM program are you using? What software is driving your router?
Nice Job!
Alan KM6VV
I am looking at making an adaptor plate under the cutter to mount a cyclone …
EMC2
Vectric cut2d
Yes that’s the stuff right there. Amazing!
HéHé…
anyone want a joystick…!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6443494497_9b069214cb_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6443451389_0aab4462cb_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6443513873_f7dcd33673.jpg
'Ya got the pictures, but can you generate the G-Code?
Just kidding. Looks great!
Alan KM6VV