Anybody ever build the Hobby CNC Kit?

[mrgutzmr]

Hi anybody ever build the HobbyCNC Kit that sells for a little under $300?
If so, did anybody have trouble or glitches soldering the pc board?
Please advise,
Thanks,
Martin

[turkgeltz]

I built the one with the 125 oz. motors. Most of my problems was understanding what I was doing. It works great. And he is very helpful in trouble shooting your problems.

[mrgutzmr]

did you make any modifications? or build it as is?
What software did you use to run it?
Please advise,
Thanks,
Martin

[turkgeltz]

I built it as it was. I am presently running turbocnc with it. It runs fine. I'm using it on a home made pipe dream machine. It runs consistant with out missing steps at 10 to 12 ipm. Its the 3 axis board.

[wjbzone]

I use the hobby cnc board. I soldered it together and the only problem I had was with the 6 pin connectors. I switched from those to terminal blocks and have had no problems at all. I had almost no experience with pcb's before I did this project.

I run the 125oz-in with a 35vdc power supply. Turbocnc. I can rapid move near 40 ipm with no problems, I usually feed at around 20 ipm.

Dave does not recomend a larger system then his design, but I have had no problems with my setup. You can see some pics at my website or the thread in this forum:

My cnc hobby.

Bill

[eman5oh]

I just finished the 3 axis chopper board. The kit is very well made and includes clear instrctions. The performance is great. I replaced a l/r driver with this and went from 40 imp cutting and 60 ipm rpaids to 125 ipm cutting and 180 ipm rapids. I was able to move at 210 ipm but backed it down so I will not lose steps. I run the board in 1/8 mode with 2 degree 150 oz 1.4a 4.5 volt motors. coupleled to 5 tpi 5/8 ball screws.I use a 34 volt 20 amp linear power supply. You can see a pic of my router in the pictures section. I would recomend this to anyone who is comfortable soldering a kit togeater.

[Halfnutz]

Great kit. Board went together in 4-5 hours and fired up right off the bat. No hitches at all. If you want to save a few bucks, and dont need a ton of power this is a home run. I plan on getting another one(4 axis this time) soon. I have used it with DeskNC and Turbo also. Both work fine, but I have little time or experiance, so I dont really know how to compare.

[Gary McCray]

Hi, I built 2 of the 3 axis boards with no problems on either one, just besure to sufficiently preheat the pads with the heavier copper traces so that you get a clean wet solder joint and double check when your done that there are no solder bridges as Dave advises in the instructions. If you follow the instructions carefully you should have no problems.

The Hobby CNC controller is a great little microstepping board at an incredible price and it uses one of the most advanced controller / driver chips available from Allegro. Although the motors run a little hot the board works great and it works very well with Mach2. HobbyCNCs 200 oz in steppers are very good bargains also.

[Halfnutz]

I had no problems whatsoever with the 3 axis board.I bought the transformer and case he reccomended and everything worked great. It fired right up first try. The soldering is a little tedious but there isnt a whole lot of it so its no big deal. Im using it with TurboCNC and DeskNC and both work finew.