dpdave,
Don't feel that way, Dave. I use the older version of the HobbyCNC board, and it works well. The new board has a couple of enhancements, but when using the board you will have to take in consideration that the stepper motor will not perform at it's rated bipolar torque rating, instead it will perform to it's unipolar torque rating. For example I needed 200 in/oz for my x axis on my 9X20 lathe, so I used a Nema 23 keling 282 in/oz stepper motor (the 282 in/oz was the biploar rating) which gave me a 200 in/oz torque rating in the unipolar configuration. Now the 282in/oz motors were $39. FYI on my Z axis(long axis on a lathe, I used a Nema 23 motor that was rated for 425 in/oz bipolar $54 (300 in/oz unipolar torque rating). I acheived 60 + imp rapids on the z axis.
In other words, Dave, I like the Hobbycnc board and highly recommend using it, when possible, like in your project. I just wanted to make sure that you bought stepper motors with the correct unipolar torque specification for your project.
I cought your thread before I trotted off the work and did not have time to give a complete post as to what may help you most in making your decision.
Also, you will want to take into consideration that you will need more torque using stock acme screws vs. ball screws because of the efficiency of (90% ballscrews compaired to 40 to 50%). For example, with the acme screw on my z axis(9X20 Lathe) I have rapids to about 20 to 25ipm, and with the ball screw/ ballnut I had 60+ ipm rapids.
Please rest assured that the hobbycnc board, when mated correctly with the correct size stepper motors will do a good job and I hope this is a more thorough answer. Do us all a favor, detail your conversion on the forum and share the knowledge of doing this project where many can benefit!!!!!!!!
The more pic's you post, the more help the guys around here will help.
Hope this helps,
Ron  |