Need Help!- CNC Controller & Drivers

[Jessestr]

Hi there.

I've been working on my CNC now for 3 months (not working every day, maybe once a week ) and I'm a complete newb in CNC's. So 3 months ago I went searching on the internet for all kind of information about a CNC.

Now I'm almost done with building the machine (It's not very big), using an Arduino Uno, 3x EasyDriver (lastest version) and 3x 17 Nema Stepper Motors. I wrote my own software to command the arduino.

Now, could I just keep on using my arduino etc to mill some stuff? I will do cuts in wood, aluminium, plexiglass, etc..

Or should I look on the internet to make/buy a CNC Controller and driver? If yes, what controller, what drivers? There are so many types etc.. , I also found some tutorials how to make your own controller, but I don't know how to make a PCB...
So, what do you think is the best, buy another cnc controller and driver, make one myself (how?)

Thanks in advance !

[doorknob]

What is your goal for this machine? Do you want to create CAD drawings and then send the design to CAM software to generate the machining instructions to control your CNC machine?

If so, then it is common practice for the CAM software to output G-code programming instructions to control the CNC machine. Your arduino would need to be programmed to translate the G-code into the step and direction signals that are sent to the Easy Stepper Drivers to control your motors.

There are already some open source arduino projects that do exactly that. For example, do a search on GRBL. You may also want to look up the "grblshield" hardware, although that probably duplicates capabilities that you already have.

[Jessestr]

Originally Posted by doorknob There are already some open source arduino projects that do exactly that. For example, do a search on GRBL. You may also want to look up the "grblshield" hardware, although that probably duplicates capabilities that you already have.

I got GRBL on my Arduino now. It works really great. Maybe I asked my question wrong.. The arduino works fine etc, but can I keep on using it for later on, or should I only use it too test my machine until it works fine.. Or should I get a new CNC Interface/Controller and 3 new drivers?

[doorknob]

What are the ratings of your motors? Specifically, what is the current rating, and what is the winding inductance, and what is the torque rating? What voltage are you using with your drivers?

Are you content with the workflow and control that you have over the operation of your machine, or is there something that you would like to improve?

[Jessestr]

Originally Posted by doorknob What are the ratings of your motors? Specifically, what is the current rating, and what is the winding inductance, and what is the torque rating? What voltage are you using with your drivers? Are you content with the workflow and control that you have over the operation of your machine, or is there something that you would like to improve?

That's the only problem I have, the motors I have, I can't find any more info on the internet then this

Brand Name RK Model Number 17HS Phase 2 phase Type NEMA17 hybrid stepping motor Angle step 1.8 deg Step angle accuracy + - 5%(full step,no load) Resistance accuracy + - 10% Inductance accuracy + - 20% Temperature rise 80 deg Ambient temperature -20 ~~~ 50 deg Insulation resistance 100oHm Min,500VDC Dielectric strength 500VAC for one minute Usage Industrial Function Control Power DC Shape square

My drivers can go up to 30V but, I use 12V 5A, the motors use 1.8A each. But the driver gives only 1.5A for each motor

Everything is working fine. Well I didn't test my machine yet. Because it's not yet finished. It's almost done..
So, the only thing that bothers me is, the limits of GRBL. And also, how I will calibrate the machine so my dremel wont cut into the machine itself. Also that I can't use Mach3, EMC2 etc..