NEMA 17 or 23

[knutselman]

Hello,

I have designed a desktop CNC PCB mill, but I don't know what size of steppers to use. I think that 23's are too big, but I'm also worried about the force of these nema17's

My design is completely from CNC milled aluminium, and the working table is about 15cmx20cm. I'm planning to use a dremel for a spindle, but maybe I'll upgrade later to a brushless DC engine. The mill doesn't have to be fast, but accurate enough to mill SMD size.

I will use the CNC611 controller, and I have a choise between NEMA23 and NEMA17 size. The board is €25 cheaper if I choose the 17 version.

What kind of stepper do you recommend me?

P.S.: I can post a picture of my design so far if you'd like!

Thanks in advance,
Knutselman

[awerby]

NEMA 17 motors are just too small for most CNC work. The last thing you want is to have to deal with missing step issues, which is what you get if the motors you use don't have enough torque. Spend the extra 25 euros - you won't be sorry...

And that Dremel is in the same category as the 17-frame motors - underpowered for CNC work. With its plastic structure, it loosens up as it gets hot, with disastrous effects on runout. Try one of those Proxxon IB/E Micromots instead; it goes faster with less noise and vibration.

Andrew Werby
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