My first cnc

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karben14
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My first cnc

Post by karben14 »

Building a cnc router. I am planning to use nema 23 steppers motors and the Acorn board.

The more I research the less I seem to know. Do I need stepper motors and drivers? Or does the Acorn board take the place of the stepper drivers? Are there certain stepper drivers that are specifically for G and M code use? I have a budget so I am wondering if the 4 axis kits sold on Amazon are suitable.
I will be running two motors on the X axis.
When I buy the steppers and such what do I need to watch out for regarding specs?
Thanks.
frijoli
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Re: My first cnc

Post by frijoli »

Welcome to the Acorn club!
karben14 wrote: Mon Jan 15, 2018 8:24 pm Do I need stepper motors and drivers?
Yes.
karben14 wrote: Mon Jan 15, 2018 8:24 pm Are there certain stepper drivers that are specifically for G and M code use?
No, as long as they accept Step and Direction for control.
karben14 wrote: Mon Jan 15, 2018 8:24 pmI have a budget
What is it? How big is the router? Need more data...
karben14 wrote: Mon Jan 15, 2018 8:24 pm When I buy the steppers and such what do I need to watch out for regarding specs?
It depends on all of the above.

Clay
Clay
near Winston-Salem, NC
unofficial ACORN fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/897054597120437/
footpetaljones
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Re: My first cnc

Post by footpetaljones »

karben14 wrote: Mon Jan 15, 2018 8:24 pm When I buy the steppers and such what do I need to watch out for regarding specs?
Depending on how fast you want to go, the motor's inductance can be important.

The higher the inductance, the more voltage the motors need to go faster.

Automation Technologies' 570 oz in KL23H2100-50-4B motors are a good value, and some people have been successful in getting them to 300 IPM (though I would be cautious of loosing steps when going that fast).
karben14
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Re: My first cnc

Post by karben14 »

I am using a router with a 1/4 inch collet. Here is a picture
CNCrouter.jpg
of it. When I buy a 4 axis set can I assume the drivers that come with the motors are properly matched?
karben14
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Re: My first cnc

Post by karben14 »

Hey thanks, the KL23H2100-50-4B motors look like a good buy. What would you recommend for a driver?
ScotY
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Re: My first cnc

Post by ScotY »

I’ve been happy (for the money spent) with my setup purchased off eBay. Search Longs motors...they have many package deals that work well. I went with their Nema 23 motors rated around 400 oz/in, with drivers, power supply, and breakout board. Not the fastest but still decent and it’s hard to beat the price. I spent a little more than $230 shipped for a 3 motor system. These are the motors recommended by FrancoCNC on YouTube.
karben14
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Re: My first cnc

Post by karben14 »

Thanks ScotY. Is the breakout board needed with the Acorn board?
martyscncgarage
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Re: My first cnc

Post by martyscncgarage »

karben14 wrote: Mon Jan 15, 2018 11:32 pm Thanks ScotY. Is the breakout board needed with the Acorn board?
No, Acorn has the terminals.
I fancy the Gecko G540 for stepper driver, but its kind of spendy. I have always like Gecko products. Great people and good support.
There are much less alternatives though.



Marty
Reminder, for support please follow this post: viewtopic.php?f=20&t=383
We can't "SEE" what you see...
Mesa, AZ
karben14
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Re: My first cnc

Post by karben14 »

That answered my main questions, thanks. Now I am clearer on what I need to get ordered.
ScotY
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Re: My first cnc

Post by ScotY »

Marty is correct, it’s just that some of their package deals come with a breakout board. They don’t add much to the cost. If you go that route, search well before purchasing. Often times, the same package is listed at different prices. No idea why that is. I bought a package like this for my mini lathe:
http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayIS ... 2000&ver=0
You’ll need a 4 axis kit for the extra motor and driver. You could ask them and I’m pretty sure they’d figure something out for you.
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