No0b questions - is this a good CNC package?

[CarbonKevin]

Hey everyone! This is my first CNC-related post, I've been lurking and searching for awhile now, and I'm getting geared up for my first project. Most of the CAD drawings are complete, I'd just like to select my steppers so I can incorporate their mounts into the frame design before it goes out for cutting. The steppers don't look quite as good as, say the Probotix units, I would guess that they are the weak point in this package, since their voltage requirement is a bit higher than what is being supplied.

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-Axis-CNC-Stepp...d=p3286.c0.m14

I am designing a moving-gantry router with a cutting area of 24" x 28". Z-axis is designed with about 10" of travel.

My spindle is a 1hp Bosch Colt.

I am hoping to use this mill to cut foam, woods, and I may attempt some very basic aluminum cutting, but only if the unit is capable of doing so. The aluminum isn't a deal maker or breaker, it would just be a nice touch if it were do-able.

I like the package above, because it seems, for the cost, to be a very easy-entry option into CNC. Any amount of goofing-with that can be avoided is a plus in my books, even if it adds a bit of cost.

My next question: Is there a good USB to Parallel port option out there to give me a bit more flexibility for sending signals to the Gecko? My laptop has some decent grunt; a T9400 2.53 gHz Core 2 with 3 gigs of ram, but no Parallel port...even my new desktop with an i7 and high end Asus motherboard doesn't have a parallel port.

Is my desire to build a system around the G540 even a good one? Or are there other USB-ready options out there that would serve me better?

Thanks everyone!

CarbonKevin

[CarbonKevin]

And, is usually the case, only after I've asked the question do I find an answer for myself.

http://cnczone.com/CNCPartsPage4.aspx

This integrates a SmoothStepper (USB!), power supply, G540, and includes a VFD.

Are there any other options for USB connectivity, or is this it?

[ger21]

There's also an NcPod, but development on it seems to have stopped a few years ago, and the website still says it's in beta. http://ncpod.oemtech.com/

it's only $50 less than the Smoothstepper, so I wouldn't even consider it.

If you don't mind using a package other than Mach3, there's also http://www.usbcnc.com/ and a member here is also developing a USB controller and software package. http://rc.cis.si/projects/cnc_motion...?page=download