I am so stoked to start building this CNC machine!! I have done quite a bit of reading and I just want to see if there is anything else I would need to get it running once I have it built. Assuming that I have the machine completely built minus the power train if I were to get
CLICK HERE (http://www.xylotex.com/Econo3AxSpecial.htm)
is this all that I would need other than the computer and software to run the machine? Or is there a better kit to buy?

Looking through some of the other threads here has gotten me so excited to build one of these.:)

Thanks
Chris

well with out knowing what size machine your making or type of work you will be doing with this machine ,it's hard to answer your question

make sure those steppers are strong enough to do the job

Siren,
I'm just about the same place as you. I'm starting to evaluate the cnc electical hardware. I think the Kelinginc.com hardware is more cost effective. I'm just not sure if I'm evaluating apples to apples to apples. http://www.kelinginc.net/CNCPackage.html
Dave

holbieone, I am just planning on making the standard JGRO design with the 5/16 threaded rod instead of 1/4" I would like to make sure that they have enough power so that IF latter on if I decide to make a larger table I could.

Glidergider, Nice! Those do look good.

Do either of you know what the step mode differences are for? I have noticed that some have more settings than others

Also, how would a 4 axis work? I see they have kits for 4 axis. Is this to rotate the cutter side to side also?

I'm kinda at the same point as both of you. think i will build the jgro and looking for electronics to run it.

i might be wrong but i think the steps settings your referring to would be full, half, quarter, etc.
without doing all the math and just for an example if a full step moved your table .1 inch this would be the absolute best accuracy you could expect.

so if half got that to .05 you basically double your max possible accuracy.

i think i seen somewhere on here that 1/8 step would give an accuracy greater than any MDF build machine could offer so you know your electronics are not a limiting factor if you go with 1/8 step.

4'th axis's can be set horizontal like a turntable (uncommon) or like a chuck on a lathe (more common)

i guess you could do all kinds of things with a 4'th if you really wanted too, like tool changes, etc

If you like to solder, then you might try www.hobbycnc.com. They sell kits that you literally solder together. You save some money too. I bought their kit for my cnc foamcutter and I've been very happy. The max size servo from hobbycnc is 200 in-oz.

The max size servo from hobbycnc is 200 in-oz


"stepper" he means.

don't mean to be a critic

In my RC glider hobby, everything is servos, as a beginner CNCr, I'm using steppers. I just get confused. Thanks for the alert.