For a quick update... Using the same IM483 stepper drivers, I switched from 24v to 48v supply and WOW did it make a difference.. Before I could get max. 400ipm rapids, but without much torque. Grabbing the slide would stall the motor. With the 48v supply and all else the same, I can stand on the slide and move myself (~180lbs) back and forth at 400ipm! My fastest rapids have been around 600ipm, but again with not much torque. End-to-end on a 9" stage @ 400ipm comes quick enough! I think I'll probably keep it around 300ipm or so, still insanely fast compared to the Taig. Oh - also tried the same controller on my Taig instead of the Xylotex board; with the Xylotex I can go max. of 16-18ipm on my Y axis before stalling when I grab the table, with the IM483 drivers @ 24v I'm around 30-40ipm and I can't stop it by hand. I like the Xylotex board for its simplicity and relatively cheap cost, but wow, nothing like using some professional drivers. I also lucked out at work and found a 2 axis driver box, opened it up to find 2 commercial stepper drivers mounted inside, each with its own honkin' 53v power supply. Can't wait to try those!! Still changing the design of my machine every other day.. Do I use steel, 80/20, make the whole Z axis stage go up and down like a real CNC machine (more clearance underneath) or just the headstock (lighter, but deeper parts will hit the stationary stage parts like the Z column on a mill..). Ugh.  |