View Full Version : CNC parts to buy suggestion


avengine
04-20-2006, 10:38 AM
I am new to this and want to build my first cnc router table.
base on the mach3 manual, I know that it can control the "C" axis for
the head to make the turn.
Now I need to know about the parts that I need to control all the step
motor.
This is what I plan to do, from Campbell Designs buy Combo break-out
board. $245
from GeckoDrive.com buy the G201 or G210, but I don't find info about
what is the different between G201 & G210, now that I have 2 motors on
X axis, one motor in Y axis and one motor in Z asix, plus one in the
tangential cutter, which one should I buy. Should I buy 1 for each
axis that is $148 x 5 cards
on the X-axis there are one motor on right and one on left, how do the
hardware and software to control this 2 motors in sync.
do the combo card has the option to control the oscillating of the cutter. Is mach 3 can control that too.

and the last thing is power supply, is there some good place to get
one too.
Did I miss anything? I find it is fun to design something to move.
any suggestion is welcome.

Edison4
04-20-2006, 02:29 PM
Here is a website that sells CNC power supplies:

http://www.techkits.com/industrial/

rustfinger
04-20-2006, 03:45 PM
It sound like you are using separate cards for each motor?

I think your life will be so much easier if you select one 3 or 4 axis controller card and use identical step motors on each axis. Once you are familiar with that setup, then you will be confident enough to try variations on the the motor and controller setups.
I use the Xylotex 3 axis controller, it is also sold with a compatible power supply and step motors, to save you the hassle of trying to match everything up. I think it would be easier, and save you a lot of headaches, for you in the beginning to start with something matched together. Here is the link if you are interested: www.xylotex.com

avengine
04-20-2006, 05:16 PM
I have check with xylotex, they cannot handle drive with nema34, too big for them, they said I better use geckodrive.
I also check with oriental motor, they said the step motor that I use can drive with 48v dc to make it run faster, is the geckodrive can control this high voltage or not, and where is the place to get 48v power supply. Usually how many amp do I need to drive 4 motors?
Thanks.

vacpress
04-20-2006, 05:44 PM
avengine..

there is a good bunch of documents in the mach3 help forum.. and on the gecko site... between the 2 sites, you can learn all you need to know... it is alot to sortthrough.. but realize a proper response to your question could take 4 pages of explanation...

paulC
04-20-2006, 07:32 PM
Mach3 does support 2 drives and motors on one access. Think you need limit switches for each motor though.
Paul

avengine
04-20-2006, 09:45 PM
sorry that I am new to this, is the limit switch is use for stop the machine at the limit of the table.
anywhere you suggest to buy this?
Thanks.

BTW is there anyone has some picture on how to put in
1 combo card
5 geckodrive
1 power supply
I want to know from the power supply, 48v output only has 1 line, is most people use power block to seperate the power to other gecko drive box.
what is the best connector to go to the step motor?
what type of box most people buy for this application?