I am looking at and researching a new CNC router. As a journeyman mold maker I know the components of what I use at work, a Mikino VMC. Which like most big mills runs on servo drives and ball screws. When I started researching CNC routers I became aware of the other choices available. First the stepper motors that can replace the servo's and 2nd the rack transmission systems that are used instead of the ballscrews. I am looking for any knowledge and advice about these 2 subjects. So far I think I would rather go with the stepper motors. They seem to be very close in accuracy and require less maintenance. So the cost of upgrading to servos doesn't seem worth it. Am I missing anything major on this topic? I am certain I want to go with ballscrew and square guide rails on the Z axis and was fairly certain I would go with that same setup on the XandY axis. Then I read in a few places that when going with a large router spindle (larger then 2.2KW) that a rack and gear system is required/strongly suggested on the XandY travel. How true is this? How much loss of accuracy is there by not using the ballscrew? Is the extra power worth the loss of accuracy? Thank you to anyone who can give me any advice on these topics. Please don't hesitate to add in any other information you feel is critical when choosing a CNC router.