Electronics Choices for a Workbee

I'm considering building a Workbee, but I'd likely buy a 1000mmx1000mm mechanical kit, as I've got plenty of spare electronics parts from previous projects and I like things to be highly modular.

I was going to re-use my CNC shield and Arduino, along with DRV8825 drivers - but I don't know if this will be good enough for the 4 x 175oz stepper motors. I already have a 350W 24V PSU, which I was planning to use with these (if it's powerful enough).

I notice that a lot of people here directly interface some DQ542MA (or leadshine DM542T) steppers with an Arduino - could I run 4 of these and the 4 x 175oz steppers from a single 350W 24V PSU? If that's do-able, I'm tempted to go down this route as it's very modular and I can re-purpose them in future.

Also, as the machine uses 4 stepper motors - do I need 4 separate drivers or can I connect the two steppers on the same axis in series to share a driver and make do with 3 drivers?

Many thanks for any advice!

 

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the info - I've not got one of those screw shields, but they look great - I'll order one now . Yep, it's the Arduino Uno I've got.

It looks like I can buy official leadshine DM542 drivers for the same price as the DQ542MA, so I guess it makes sense to get the former? Glad to hear I can run 4 of those and the steppers from a single 350W 24v PSU .

Do you know what current I should aim to run the motors at? Also, any thoughts on running the dual stepper axis in series?