New guy asking basic questions.

[Crazybillybob]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around all the parts of controlling a CNC system so please bear with me.

Why would I use a PicStep over another controller?
What's the basic cost for a 4 axis machine?
What's the largest Stepper (in OZ) that a PicStep can drive?
Am I nuts for asking all these questions?

If you, don't have answers to these questions, but know a site that does please post the link I'll check it out. With all the options for drivers, I'm a bit lost and don't want to waste money if I don't have too.

Thanks for taking the time to look this over.

CrazyBillyBob

[tybrenis]

Hey CBB, nice to see you on the zone.

I am also a newbie to CNC, but I've been browsing these forums for almost a year now and having designed and built most of my machine so far, I can answer some of your questions. Someone else will come along and give you better answers, however.

I hadn't heard of the Picsteps before until you mentioned them, but they do look very usable as a controller. However, I think you will find it very beneficial and simple to simply buy a kit or prebuilt controller - Hobby CNC makes great controller boards. I have their 4 axis kit and I must say, it's great. They are low priced, proven, are the support is great. They are also easy to build and they offer many features, such as 1/16 microstepping.

I could never tell you the basic cost for a 4 axis machine, because it completely varies. Will you be making your machine out of MDF? Steel? Aluminum? A mix of the two? Will you use high end controllers and high torque steppers or even servos? Will it be driven by a leadscrew, belt, rack and pinion, or other method? How accurate does it have to be? How rigid must it be? What materials will you be cutting? What kind of spindle will you need? How about software?

Those are just a few things to consider when building a machine. I am building a simple 3 axis gantry style machine, and my cost has been very low so far. I used 1/2"-10 TPI acme threaded rod, which only cost about 10-15 dollars total. I am using Delrin anti-backlash leadnuts from Dumperstercnc, those were fairly pricey. I'm using eBay steppers (45 dollars shipped for 4 of them, about 200 oz. in.), and my machine is MDF bolted together. I am using steel rod for my bearings to run on, and my bearings are just "L" angle steel and skate bearings. My total cost is less than $300, as I all ready had a spindle (router), the steel, bolts, etc.

In short, this machine will cost what you make it cost.

As for the maximum motor size that a picstep can drive, I can't tell you as I know nothing about the picsteps. However, if you get something like a HobbyCNC board, as long as the drivers put out the necessary amperage and voltage, you should be fine.

Hope I cleared up a few questions. I'll have a log of my machine soon for everyone.

[Crazybillybob]

thanks Tyberis, Cleared some things up.... When I was asking about the cost I ment for the electronics, I relize that the cost of total machine depends on what you make it out of and how much free stuff you can find. Right now I'm looking at the electronics because they make the most since to me. The picsteps appealed to me because I can make them cheap, I've got the suff to etch PCB's, and program pics...so the equiptment costs are low.


CrazyBillyBob