DIY alternative to Hobbycnc 4aupc board

[mrbaseball]

Hello,

I was looking for a DIY open source design that would allow me to get my feet "wet" before plunging the big bucks into my cnc router project. I will eentually buy the Hobbycnc boards. Any suggestions for an easy single board solution with 1/2,1/4, 1/8, and 1/16 Microstepping?? I would like to stay away from
breakout boards etc. How much could be saved if I went the DIY route??

Thanks

[pminmo]

mrbaseball,
My website has a number of designs available to the DIY'er:
http://PMinMO.com As far as saving money, the Hobbycnc kit is really reasonable. I can't say I would advise the DIY route to save money, do it to learn or take pride in "I did that". As far as the electronics, buy the motors that fit your planned machine. Then get a driver to support the motor. Before you go hog wild on microstepping read about the power downside as well.

[mrbaseball]

Before I go hog wild on microstepping where can I read about the power downside?

Thanks,

[Lionclaw]

I originally went with the hobby cnc board. It has worked very well for me. I'm thinking about building a set of PICSteppers for my next machine.

[pminmo]

mrbaseball,

http://www.machinedesign.com/ASP/vie...strSite=MDSite

The real upside of microstepping is reduced motor resonance, but you do give up power. It depends on your goals, for a great machine you utilize microstepping, but upsize your motors to accomodate the power loss.

[phantomcow2]

The HobbyCNC is definantly reasonable in price, compared to what else i look at. Its "all in one", which appeals to me