Controller for CNC plotter

[prcdslnc13]

Hey guys, Im new here and I found the forum looking for info on making a cnc. I decided to start my project with a cnc plotter, both because of the simplicity of the machine itself and the availability of a free large format printer .

My machine basis will be an Encad Novajet 2. It has a stepper motor in it used to drive the paper, and a servo motor used to drive the print head. What Im looking at doing is removing the print head and attaching a pen holder with a z-axis to lift the pen in its place, possibly utilizing a cd rom drive. Then instead of having the plotter drive the paper like it does now, create a moveable x-axis table using a lead screw so the paper stays flat and moves like a router would.

Heres my questions.

A: I need recommendations for stepper drivers. These are pretty small motors so it doesnt need to be anything perfect. I was looking at these:
http://www.virtualvillage.com/steppe..._medium=shcomp But im not sure how to connect them to a pport. and also this controller :
http://cgi.ebay.com/CNC-3-axis-Stepp...item4ceed30135

this one seems to be the best route.

B. what would be a good way to control the combo of motors? I will end up with 2 steppers and a servo. Im guessing that that may be more trouble then its worth so I may just replace the servo with a small stepper to drive the print head.

something of this sort is my goal. Id like to use Mach3 to program this. The object of which is to understand machine motion and my job better (cnc programmer) eventually build a bigger better machine.
YouTube- homemade cnc plotter?

[prcdslnc13]

im also looking at the probotix kit for this too.

[Kipper]

Hi, I looked at the video and was unimpressed...... I've taken on a job making a vinyl cutter-pen plotter-foam cutter for a local modelmaker to use for his hobbies....similar to your requirements?

I've "made" the X axis so far....an old Zeta plotter unit donated itself....replaced the servo motor with a stepper motor and connected the whole thing up for testing...80m rapids.....reliable too....I wonder what speed a pen can work at?

5 axis so far....contemplating a 6th to enable cutting cones with wire or possibly to mill the foam....not decided yet.

Rip the printer apart and throw something together for a spot of learning on the cheap.

[prcdslnc13]

thats pretty much what I am looking to do. The video was mostly reference, it didnt do much for me either but I couldnt find the one I wanted to post.

I found a tear down of the plotter today, I think its going to work very well for my needs. Im mostly looking at what controller cards will work well and be fairly cheap as I dont need to drive much. I only need 3 axes for what Im doing so Im thinking that the ebay one may be the way to go.

[Kipper]

The Hubbard one on ebay plugs straight into the PC with a DB25 cable....fully wired cable of course..........and best of all (I'm a Yorkshireman after all) it's cheap!