Look At My Rack

[DAPPH]

Your lad could also 3d design and print a flexible hinged link cable laying track to keep all cables out the way as the carriage move up and down the bed length as well as across it

 

[Onoff]

Your lad could also 3d design and print a flexible hinged link cable laying track to keep all cables out the way as the carriage move up and down the bed length as well as across it

A drag chain, yes no problem.

 

[Onoff]

If it's just for testing, pick a stepper and drive from whatever source, and combine it with a basic bench PSU.

£60 will get you a 0-30V 0-5A bench PSU which will be good enough for testing, and be useful for other things.
For an actual machine, it all depends on budget.
I'd probably suggest a couple 4Nm Nema 23/23 closed loop steppers if you're running twin motors on the one axis, such as https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203449278205 although you'd have to budget in for extending the cables.
For the other axis, a motor stalling isn't likely to be as big a problem, so you could save money with an open loop setup.

Then there is also the controller options, which are very much dependant on budget, and how much frustration you're willing to risk.

Thanks, that's really helpful!

I might buy him a motor, controller etc for Christmas even.

 

[Misterg]

I might buy him a motor, controller etc for Christmas even.

It's only a few wires to get a stepper motor and drive going, then you have to find something to control it. You could get him one of the cheap '3018' table top routers. They *are* pretty crappy (toys really), but offer pretty much the same opportunities to learn about stepper motors, drives, 3 axis motion, etc. and also open the Pandora's box that is CAM.

 

[My Old Landy]

It's only a few wires to get a stepper motor and drive going, then you have to find something to control it. You could get him one of the cheap '3018' table top routers. They *are* pretty crappy (toys really), but offer pretty much the same opportunities to learn about stepper motors, drives, 3 axis motion, etc. and also open the Pandora's box that is CAM.

I have one and whilst not robust they are great for learning g code etc. @eLuSiVeMiTe upgraded his with a stiffer setup and more powerful router motor.

 

[Onoff]

It's only a few wires to get a stepper motor and drive going, then you have to find something to control it. You could get him one of the cheap '3018' table top routers. They *are* pretty crappy (toys really), but offer pretty much the same opportunities to learn about stepper motors, drives, 3 axis motion, etc. and also open the Pandora's box that is CAM.

Than you but he'll learn more and get more out of it by having a motor in front of him and building up a rack / carriage assembly himself.

That reminds me, my mate has offered me/my lad a 3018 or similar unit for nothing. Must go and get it!