need some help with electronics package..

**brucer** · 12-26-2011, 03:06 PM

how do you size the stepper motors to your machine?

My machine is roughly 50x40inside dimension, I'm using the 40x80 extrusion for the gantry and will have another single piece of 40x40 as a back brace on the gantry...

I will be running rack&pinion on the x and y axis.... I was originally thinking 425oz. steppers, what do you guys think? i would like to be able to mill wood and aluminum also..

The z axis I have a ballscrew assembly that has a gear reduction I'm planning on using, the ballscrew should work better/be stouter for the z axis...

**KHK** · 12-26-2011, 04:19 PM

I think that 300 oz steppers will work fine.

**brucer** · 12-26-2011, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by KHK

I think that 300 oz steppers will work fine.

Keith, what brand did you use?

I've been looking at xylotex and keiling and the ebay imports..

**KHK** · 12-26-2011, 06:06 PM

I used "Orential Motor, micro step", the draw back is that for there 5 phase motors you need to use there controler. I bought mine on ebay for cheep.

**Gadget** · 12-26-2011, 06:39 PM

I used 305in steppers from HobbyCNC on my table and they work fine. My table is about 35"X48". I think you need less power for rack and pinion than you do for acme screw drives which is what I have. I have enough power to drive but can't get the rapid speeds I would like. Still the 305s have enough power for routing and even some light aluminum milling.

**brucer** · 12-27-2011, 09:36 AM

so you guys think i would be ok with like 270 or 290oz steppers?

**Gadget** · 12-27-2011, 09:47 AM

290 maybe but not less than that. I think if I were to build again I'd prefer to err on the side of larger rather than smaller.

**brucer** · 12-27-2011, 10:23 AM

ok, thanks gadget and keith, I'm going to do some shopping around and see what i can come up with..

you guys see anything that I might not want with any of these kits?

I'm thinking probably going with the xylotex 425oz kit theyre selling for $380 with free shipping, this seems like a good deal.
Xylotex 4 Axis System Kit

or the hobbycnc 305oz kit for $400
HobbyCNC PRO Driver Board Packages | HobbyCNC

or the keiling 425oz kit with separate breakout board and individual drivers for $459..
NEMA 23 CNC Router Stepper Motor kit middle kit

my last option is the ebay import 425oz kit from china, longsmotor.. like $280 + $125 shipping..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/190590663828...84.m1438.l2649

**Gadget** · 12-27-2011, 06:37 PM

'the Xylotec looks like a good setup. Keep in mind the HobbyCNC kit is a KIT in every sense of the word. You have to assemble the components on the circuit board and do all the tuning of the board yourself. Plus it is 305in which is considerably less than the Xylotec. I have HobbyCNC and it works pretty well but I can't help but think there is better out there. I'm also not a big fan of the HobbyCNC support system either. Forum support only and he won't tolerate any setup questions, just board building and motor connections.

**brucer** · 12-28-2011, 02:11 AM

Originally Posted by Gadget

'the Xylotec looks like a good setup. Keep in mind the HobbyCNC kit is a KIT in every sense of the word. You have to assemble the components on the circuit board and do all the tuning of the board yourself. Plus it is 305in which is considerably less than the Xylotec. I have HobbyCNC and it works pretty well but I can't help but think there is better out there. I'm also not a big fan of the HobbyCNC support system either. Forum support only and he won't tolerate any setup questions, just board building and motor connections.

on the hobbycnc, yuck thats way more than what i want to build, so I think I'll cross that one off the list..