I am almost done with building Kyo's CNC router . I am using Openbuilds Nema 23 and will be using the machine for mostly wood and occasional aluminum cutting. Will be using a 1.5KW spindle/VFD. I would like to make use of USB ports on my PC . Need some suggestions on Controller/Driver which wont break the bank and would work on Windows PC. Also, I am wondering if BCNC would be a good choice since Mach3 requires parallel ports. Please keep in mind that this is my first ever CNC project. I do have some hands on with Drones and RC helicopter electronics so I do understand some basics. Here is what I was thinking Get a Tindie CNC controller with 4 DB542T Drivers . What I am not sure if these will work as a combo with BCNC. thanks
Hi Ashish, Just get an Arduino and screw shield (makes wiring easy) and the four discrete drivers, who makes the DB542t? For software Estlcam could do your control and cam, or you can use GRBL on the Arduino and UGS for the controller, Fusion 360, SketchUcam are some Cam options. good luck Gary
The drivers are actually DM542T not Db.. my bad. So I could skip the Phoenix controller and get Arduino ? Also, any good source for electronics ?
Yes, like $18 for a real one on amazon, I know some use an Arduino Nano and the a screw shield for that.. Arduino Uno most common.
I second getting a "real arduino" some of the knock-offs have issues. All the machines I have built (other than the eggbot) use a real Arduino and individual (DQ542MA) drivers. They run smooth and don't overheat. The only time I had issues was when I tried the cheap way using a cloned arduino and DRV8825 drivers which overheated even with heat sinks installed and a large fan blowing on them. But, they are 3D printer drivers, so I learned my lesson. I have used Sketchucam, Fusion 360, and now I am using Estlcam. Sketchucam - is great for making plates and other flat objects. However, I suck at using Sketchup for making complex designs. It does not seem intuitive for me. Fusion 360 - I mostly design in this now. It seems a lot easier for me and it can generate the CAM for the design. Estlcam - I love this program for the probing function and for generating its own CAM. It can also use CAM generated in the other mentioned software. After a bit more testing, I plan to purchase a license in hopes he keeps developing it. I just purchased an xbox controller today to test that out for jogging. Another great free CAM generator is Scorchworks F-engrave. I use it for V carving. I "trace bitmap" of an image in Inkscape which removes any border. That way when I select a 400 mm height, I know exactly how large my image will be which allows me to fit it precisely on any stock I have. Prior to generating the cam, it also lets you choose your zero point which makes it easy for placing an image on round stock by choosing the center. Hmmm... I should make a tutorial for those interested. Scorchworks also has other free software.
