Starting out in UK

[plexer]

Hi guys,

Well so far I have source 2 140oz 6 wire unipolar motors one is a stepsyn and the other is a similar name that I can't remember at the moment. They both came out of photostat thingy machine I think it was. Just need another 1 now

I am thinking of going the hobbycnc route for the controller as even though I know I can use these 6 wire motor's unipolar I think the hobby board is a very well priced interface that give's the me the 3 or 4 drivers and db25 interface as well all in one board.

I'm also going to probably use a ATX PSU to start with as thats what I have available and can always upgrade it later. I will house the psu and controller in a wooden box with laser cut acrylic front and back as I can laser cut that at work.

Thinking of going with a cncdudez frame at the moment as sean is an old friend and will do me a good price on one.

Old pc is available to run it as well so I have access to most of the bits I think.

Anyone see any flaws with this thinking?

God I love this cnc stuff

Happy Xmas all.

Ben

[Oldmanandhistoy]

Hi Ben

Happy Xmas and New Year to you.
You may like to take a look at www.simplycnc.com they sell the xylotex driver boards and are based in the UK.
Can’t say if there is any flaws in your thinking would need more info on your project like what you’re planning to cut.
Not saying I am qualified to give you advice but am happy to help if I can.
Anyway good luck sourcing parts here in the UK. Keep us posted.

Regards, John

[plexer]

Hi John,

Thanks for taking the time to reply. My main use of the router will probably be pcb's and cutting acrylic sheet. I looked at that site and the xylotec 4 axis package looks good after you figure the cost of the hobbycnc one to the uk and if I get stung with any import taxes etc... and the time taken to build makes it on a par with the simplycnc one. Plus I could then use my 6 wire steppers in bipolar.

Thanks for your help,

Ben

[santiniuk]

Hi Plexer, hello from up North ....

I understand your frustrations trying to get CNC related item's. Ebay used to be a good source for me but it seems to have dried up these days and I think the shortage of items means that most things go for a higher than expected price.

I'm not sure what your budget is but I can recommend the Picstep design that is floating around on the forum. It is a great microstep design but the controller I.C's (LMD's) are not the cheapest to pick up in the U.K but can be imported cheaper.

I don't think you can get much cheaper than an ATX PSU so that should be o.k.

What type of stuff do you have plans to cut ? The reason I ask is that my first machine only had a cutting area of about 300mm * 300mm and it wasn't long before I had the urge to build a MKII with a larger cutting area. For PCB's and smaller items the CNC dude'z frame should be fine. (It's a very nice looking system).

If you plan on building your own I would highly recommed spending a bit of time with a CAD system. (I'm not sure of your experience in this area but can say it really does prove useful and it's surprising what issues with your designs you can pick up on 'paper' before making a simple component).

Well I'm sorry I don't have a lot more to offer. Set a build log away and I'm sure the folks on here will help with any queries.

Cheers, All the best for 2006.

Shaun

[plexer]

Seems simplycnc only shipping 1 cnc mill product now no controllers.

Ben

[MrBean]

Check this place out. I have 3 of their controllers and I was really pleased with them. Their motors are a good price too.

http://motioncontrolproducts.co.uk/i...p/cPath/1_8_47

Regards Terry.
Another UK CNC hobbiest.

[Oldmanandhistoy]

I also use Motion control drives and would agree with Mrbeans comments.

Also the MSD556 (may all be) drives are optically isolated which is a bonus.

John

[plexer]

I'm thinking of the 4 axis hobby cnc pro board now it's available to the UK.

Looks easy enough to me to build and the price is right.

Broke out the soldering iron for something else yesterday and it was fun

Ben

[martinw]

[QUOTE=Oldmanandhistoy;225272]I also use Motion control drives and would agree with Mrbeans comments.

Also the MSD556 (may all be) drives are optically isolated which is a bonus.

John[/QUOTE

Dear Mr Bean and Oldmanandhistoy,

I am considering the MSD 556 as well. Could you let me know which break-out board you use with them?

Many thanks,

Best wishes

Martin

[Oldmanandhistoy]

[QUOTE=martinw;226328]

Originally Posted by Oldmanandhistoy I also use Motion control drives and would agree with Mrbeans comments. Also the MSD556 (may all be) drives are optically isolated which is a bonus. John[/QUOTE Dear Mr Bean and Oldmanandhistoy, I am considering the MSD 556 as well. Could you let me know which break-out board you use with them? Many thanks, Best wishes Martin

Hi Martin,

I have a break out board from the US but any will work fine.
Look here http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cnc-Quick-Conn...QQcmdZViewItem This is the same as the one I was using before and worked well.

John

[MrBean]

I have a homemade breakout board that comes from Alan's PICStep design.
It's the older non opto version. Works a treat though.

Regards Terry.

[martinw]

[QUOTE=Oldmanandhistoy;226372]

Originally Posted by martinw Hi Martin, I have a break out board from the US but any will work fine. Look here http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cnc-Quick-Conn...QQcmdZViewItem This is the same as the one I was using before and worked well. John

Dear John,

Many thanks for the swift reply. I do appreciate it.

Best wishes,

Martin