StepperMotorChoice

[Techtchr]

Hello,
I am currently building a CNC wood router. This is my 4th homemade CNC project, so I am not unfamiliar with construction techniques and motor controls... My 3rd project was a 3'x4' router done on the cheap, and it is not ridgid enough for the current projects I want to do, so V 4 is being built.

I need some help selecting motors and drivers. I am leaning towards using steppers in the NEMA 34 1000 oz/in range with Geko drives and a homemade unregulated power supply. I have 75% of the frame and mechanism built. It is constructed of 2" x1/8"wall steel tube. I am planning on 5/8 x8tpi acme screws with homemade drive nuts as the drive mechanism. The linear bearing rails I am using are supported 25MM rails 55" long. The machine will end up with a work envelope of aproximately 4'x4'x1'. Speed is not a huge consern, but of course I don't want to spend hours monitoring a project because it is running at a snails pace. I would like to be able to easily handle cutting Oak, ash or Maple with 1/4-3/8" cut increments at 40-60 IPM.

I am planning to use the machine to make solid body electric guitars with students at the school where I teach. Your advice is much appreciated. FYI, this is another one of my self funded school projects. No school funds are being used in the design and implementation of this project

Regards, Matt

[Eurisko]

Matt,

Sounds like a great project. It's been many years since I was a student. It's refreshing to see a teacher so passionate about the subject.

I'm not sure what your question is, as you've obviously done your homework (pun intended). You can't go wrong with Geckos, and a 1000 oz. stepper should make short work of anything you can throw at it.

How about some pics of your build?

[Techtchr]

I don't have experience with Geckos and breakout boards. I am looking for advise on which Geckos to use. My other projects used Hobbycnc and xylotex drivers. They worked quite well, but I don't think they will handle the new machine at the speeds I'm looking for. Here's a link to a youtube video I made of lapsteel guitars being made on the first router. (sorry link didn't work)

The kids designed and wrote the G code. This year I plan to make solid body electrics, but my router needs to be finished, and it needs to be sturdier. I will post some pictures when I'm further along with the new design. Right now it is a rectangular steel frame...not much to look at.

Thanks, Matt