The way I see it you will need to zero the stop every time you turn on the machine since it will not know where it is. If the machine is on all day it's not a big problem since it has to be zeroed only once a day. You will need a positive lock on the stop or it will move every time you bump against it. While the motors are powerful and should resist moving while under power it still may move a fraction.
Hi Justin, Ohhhh, good point about zeroing. Could there be a shut down procedure where the stop goes 'home' upon power down, then knows where it is at start up? Hadn't considered having to lock the stop..... but I see how it could be bumped out. Is there a way to lock a belt drive like a shaft lock on a screw? All good points, thanks so much! Roger
The belt can not be locked in any meaningful way. One way to solve the locking is to use a thin threaded rod, like #6x32. It has teeth every 1/32". Run it the whole length of the side. Have a small #6 rod, maybe 1", engage into the long run when you have reached the stop position. It will have to be done with a servo or with an electromagnet and spring. You'll have to write the code for it to engage and disengage when needed.
Ya, that would work. The miter stop I'm using now uses this technique. OK, lots to think about. Thanks!
You continue your project "Mit Saw Stop Block" I also want to get closer to doing something like "Table Saw Fence Control" I find programming difficult