[DESERT RAT]

Hi. I am new to this site as well as CNC. I have really enjoyed this site and the information on it. I don't get much sleep though.

I am having a dificult time deciding on which controler board to get. I have very limited funds, so many like Gecko are ruled out. If I understand right, I would need a board for each axis. My machine will start with 4 axis and I may add more later. I will need to push a considerable amount of weight (guessing around 50 lbs). I would like to push it around 900 rpms, so I am thinking of motors with 1.8 degree steps. I am also planning on using ball screws to make it easier.

I am considering 3 boards.

First and the one I am leaning towards is the FET-4. It seems to have plenty of power with the upgrade. I dont know If 2 can be used together, or if it has microsteps or if it is bipolar, how many volts it has, or if it is a chopper board.

Second is the Pico systems board from John Elson. It is closed loop and 4 axis. Two boards can be used together. It seems a little weak though. I also don't know if it microsteps, is bipolar, or a chopper.

Last is Xylotex. It microsteps and is bipolar. However, it seems a little weak and I dont know if I can get more than 4 axis out of it. I also dont know if it is a chopper board.

I will get answers to many of these questions from the manufacturer but I would like to get input and sugestions from people who know more about this than me.