What to get?

[JohnG]

I'm building a basic 3 axis CNC Machine at the moment to get familiar with CNC machines in general, but would like to have the ability to move up to a 4 or 5 axis system similar to this one if I ever attempt to do so: http://www.qarm.com.au/quicktour/qui..._multiaxis.htm

Now being relatively new, especially with the electrical side of building a CNC machine, I'm wondering what the required hardware would be. Now I thought I read that the Gecko hardware is capable of a 5 axis system, do you know if this is true? If so what would I need from them? I've looked at there website but it's not very helpful to someone new to CNC machines. I would like a kit similar to xylotex 4 axis system if possible but one that has the capability of 5 axis.

Can someone help steer me in the right direction on the hardware I need? If I'm going to spend money on the control board and motors, I my as well get a system capable of 5 axis if I ever decide to use it.

[asuratman]

Hi,
You can go to this site http://www.camtronics-cnc.com/ and ask Dan Mauch, he is very good in gecko. Thanks. Aristo.

[ger21]

Gecko motor drives drive individual motors, so you can use as few or as many as you like. The limit would be imposed by your control software. If using Mach3, it can drive up to 6 motors by using 2 parallel ports. I believe TuroCNC can drive up to 8 motors, and can use up to 3 parallel ports.

Another option would be to use Mach4 and the Gecko G100. Mach4 controls the G100 via ethernet connection, and the G100 can control up to 6 motors at once.

There are other, more expensive options as well.

To steer you in the right direction, you'll need to be much more specific as to what you want to do. What type of machine, how it's driven, what motors, how fast do you want to go, how much do you want to spend.......

[JohnG]

Thanks ger21 for the info.

What type of machine, how it's driven, what motors, how fast do you want to go, how much do you want to spend.......

Well that's part of the problem, I'm not sure what I need. The machine I'm building is similar to this machine: http://www.stonehook.net/cnchome.htm
but I've made a few changes. I was going to purchase the xylotex 4 Axis System Kit but decided to see what else was out there. So anything similar to this but with the capability of 5 axis. As for price, I'd like to keep it under $500 for the motors and hardware if at all possible.

So what I need are the motors and control hardware and what ever else is needed to get my machine up and running. I have the machine (building now) and the software already. As for the specs, I'm more interested in accuracy then speed when it comes to cutting (not that I wouldn't mind something fast). So can you make any recommendations on what I need to buy? Like the motors, control board, ect.

Thanks

[asuratman]

Hi Ger21,
Is gecko 100 for servo? Do we need to have gecko 320 install on it? Thanks. Aristo

[ViperTX]

JohnG....well with a $500 limit for controllers and motors you've already determined your limits.....a 3 axis set of steppers will most likely use up $300 of your budget...leaving you with $200.....a single Gecko for a stepper is approximately $170.....so, you have a dilema....