CNC Newbie

[GJK_2018]

Hello all,
I am currently building a cnc mill/router. It is a shars X Y table with stepper motors on it with a frame for z Axis.
My plan is to purschase the DIY Acorn system. Guess would like to know any remondantions on driver boards (not the cheapest). Or what to stay away from

Sorry guys/girls no pics @ this time.

Thanks GJK_20018

[rickwjenn]

Sounds like a great project. The Acorn is the right way to go IMO.

I wired my Acorn directly to the LeadShine stepper motor controllers via two wires per axis - direction and step. That plus the 5V power supply to the motor controllers and you are in business. Be sure to use the CNC Wizard tool to configure the Acorn for your exact step up.

[GJK_2018]

rickwjenn,
Hey thanks for the information. Viewing your pic, the lower right hand is that your leadshine motor controllers? one for each axis? form what I understood one would controller, controls more than one axis or am I wrong?
GJK_2018

[DICKEYBIRD]

rickwjenn,
Hey thanks for the information. Viewing your pic, the lower right hand is that your leadshine motor controllers? one for each axis? form what I understood one would controller, controls more than one axis or am I wrong?
GJK_2018

The Leadshine MX4660 has 4 drivers built into one unit like the Gecko 540 but Rick chose separate Leadshine drivers for each axis. Most builders do it that way.

[rickwjenn]

That is correct. My stepper motor controllers are only for one axis. My machine came this way and I replaced the junk Chinese NMotion controller board with the Acorn.

If I was doing it over, I would buy a single multi-axis controller to save space. BUT I am convinced this would make trouble shooting harder - was very nice to have single circuits for X, Y, and Z in the setup. I feel very confident, I can readily get the 4th axis lit up fast when i get to 4 axis milling.

[ScotY]

I am using Longs steppers and drivers purchased off eBay. Franco (search YouTube for FrancoCNC) used them a lot. They’ve worked well for me and seem decent. Zero issues. Just an option if you want to go budget.

[GJK_2018]

Thanks guy for your input. Guess I got to do a little research to see what is going to work out for me. Oh Yeah what kind of cad software are you using. Right now im working with Bobad/cam.
GJK_2018

[martyscncgarage]

Thanks guy for your input. Guess I got to do a little research to see what is going to work out for me. Oh Yeah what kind of cad software are you using. Right now im working with Bobad/cam.
GJK_2018

Learing to use Fusion360 Tons of resources on the web and FREE if its for personal, non commercial use.

[martyscncgarage]

Hello all,
I am currently building a cnc mill/router. It is a shars X Y table with stepper motors on it with a frame for z Axis.
My plan is to purschase the DIY Acorn system. Guess would like to know any remondantions on driver boards (not the cheapest). Or what to stay away from

Sorry guys/girls no pics @ this time.

Thanks GJK_20018

Closed loop Hybrid steppers from Automationtechnologies.com.
I prefer to buy from vendors in the US for support. I don't need the headaches of buying overseas or little to no support.