Newbie- Trying to put it all together

[KT6G Radio]

Hi All,

I have three g203v gecko drives and three stepper motors from Kelling Tech (KL34H260-42-8A). I also have the CNC4PC breakout board C11 Multi-function board. I am thinking of using two motors to drive the x-axis (2 roton ball screws drive the x-axis) and was wondering if the BOB would work for this.

I know I need another gecko drive and motor, but was wondering how I can drive the two x-axis motors in sync or if this is problem. I also have the KL-7212 (Unregulated Power Supply 864W, 72VDC/12A, Single Rectifier Module,120VAC or 230VAC) and was hoping that this is enough power to drive four motors.
Also should I power the BOB and other low voltage electronics with a separate power supply (5v-12v)?

The router is an all metal/aluminum and I will use a Chinese Spindle. I want to be able to cut soft metals (aluminum, brass, copper, etc.) and wood of course.

What other electronics, besides a PC will I need? E-Stop, home and limit switches, etc. If someone has a list of the needed electronics, plus nice or neat stuff to add to the system for smoother or better operation, I am highly interested in any help. Also I have Mach 3, but what other software do I need? I don’t understand the difference or what I need to consider.

Of course my budget is limited, so I need to make some smart informed choices, thanks for your help.

Paul

[stevespo]

You can definitely synch two motors/drivers with software control. Mach supports this and EMC should as well. You may need a home switch for each motor, but that is only something I have been told. I haven't done this personally.

Those particular motors are low inductance when wired parallel or unipolar. The sqrt(inductance)*32 formula yields 41V in that mode and 82V in series, so I am assuming that you'll be wiring them in series. I do have the same PSU and that should handle 4 motors in series (3A/each). Otherwise, 6A * 4 motors * .80 = 19A, so undersized in the other configurations.

The BOB and limits can't consume more than 1A (I'm guessing), so running them off the same PSU is generally not an issue.

List of electronics is complicated, because it depends on how you want to wire things up. I've made many, many trips to the electronics store and always seem to need "one more thing". Switches, connectors, terminals, resistors, wire, more wire - it never ends. I'd say the eStop is a necessity, but others may disagree.

I personally use 4 switches (high quality Honeywell limits), and a touch off plate for the Z. Two switches are Home X and Y, and the other two are X limit++ and Y limit++. The home switches serve double duty as limit in the -- direction. Like I mentioned, you may need an extra switch or two, but some people chose not to use them and other people use even more.

You can cut cut soft metals with a Chinese spindle. I do that once in a while. Light passes and fairly fast feedrates. I wouldn't want to do it very often, or you might consider a dedicated milling machine. Of course, the mechanics need to be up to the task, but it sounds like that is the case. I cut dry, or with a shot of cutting fluid. No continuous coolant or mist on my machine.

Steve