My CNC Project

[mojy2k]

Hi,

I am making a CNC mill (router) for my GCSE Project an I am following jgro's plans in the download section although I am going to make it about twice the length and width.

Now i'm at the stage where I am picking out the right motor and drivers.

Please can someone point me in the right direction?
I would preferably like to use http://rswww.com for purchasing equipment.

Can someone shed some light on what type of motors I need?
Im guessing 1.80 Step Angle Stepper Motor?

Thanks alot,
Adrian

[kong]

You will be best advised to stay away from www.rswww.com, unless you have stacks of cash! Import is the way to save money. What is your budget anyhow?

[posix]

Hactully! http://www.lamonde.com for some el cheapo steppers, 27 quid a pop for 272oz/in jobbies which should be more than enough for your gcse and 434oz/in at 67 quid for an a-level project

chips for driver boards http://uk.farnell.com (they have 'em all) or http://www.electronelec.co.uk (for some items not available at farnell)

STAY AWAY FROM RS COMPONENTS!!! Their steppers are 3 times what they should be!

Your local B&Q should have plenty of threaded rod and aluminium profile/MDF for your needs. and good luck!

P.S. make sure you get to keep it as your school might own the thing once you finish it. i.e. read the small print.

[ViperTX]

Rather intriguing....I've a few queries....How many Euros to a quid? B&Q is that your local hardware store / lumber yard?

[kong]

Yep, B&Q is the local DIY centre, I take it that is the same as Home Depot.
Current exchange rate is $1.9US to £1, unsure on the euros though!

[posix]

see http://finance.yahoo.co.uk for current exchange rates

[mojy2k]

Cheers for your replies guys, very helpful.

I have been taking a look at sites that you have recommended and other sites on here.

I am thinking of this driver board:
http://www.hobbycnc.com/driverboards/4aupc/4aupc.htm

along with 3 6wire unipolar steppers.

I understand that with this driver board, I have to set the microstepping to 1/4 if I am using 1/4-20 threaded rod ?

If I am unable to find the motors, would it be a wise choice for me to go for the

3AUPC Kit + (3) 200oz-in, 3v, 3A,
Dual Shaft Steppers @$45ea

package on this page http://www.hobbycnc.com/driverboards/4aupc/4aupc.htm ?

[10bulls]

Hey Adrian,

Well done on choosing CNC for your GCSE!

I bought my steppers from the follwing....http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/
They also do a good line of general engineering stuff and are pretty helpful.
They do stepper controllers as well.
It would be a bit of a challenge but you may consider making your own drivers. I've built Garfield2's PICStep and they are working sweet. Probably won't be any cheaper than buying drivers and certainly a lot more work, but you'll learn heaps of skills that make come in handy.
Keep your eyes peeled for large surplus dot matrix or laser printers.
They are usually a good source of steppers and other nice bits and pieces.
For general electronics stuff, farnell are sometimes a bit cheaper than RS.
Keep up the good work and be sure to keep us updated!

[sp00k1e]

Also Pminmo's a3977SED board on the open source forum. I believe this is the same driver as the zylotex. He also has a lot of other driver circuits.

Good luck.
Paul

[signIT]

Hi,
Arceurotrade a nice company, they have all parts that I have decided to buy at prices that one only can dream about, it is a pity that they only sell to UK customers.

SignIT

[kong]

It may be worth phoning them and asking about european delivery. They are called "euro trade" after all!

[10bulls]

Originally Posted by signIT ...it is a pity that they only sell to UK customers.

Phone them up! I'd be surprised if they wouldn't ship to Sweden.