Stepper Motor Question

[Xterrian]

I finally decided I have to take the first step in building my CNC Router. I bought these stepper motors. I want a fairly small machine, about 2' X 2'. Will these be strong enough? Can anyone recommend a stepper motor driver that will operate these motors? I'd like to use the PicStep boards, but from what I've read, the PicStep works with bipolar motors and these are unipolar. Does anyone offer a DIY plan for a unipolar stepper control board?
Thanks,
Randall

[itsme]

Hi there,

For a good 4-axis unipolar board kit, I can recommend the Xylotex board (I got mine running last night for the first time). The HobbyCNC board is also available and very similar to the Xylotex board.

For your motors: As far as I know, your motors should be able to be used as unipolar or bipolar motors - 6/8 wire motors are quite versatile. I think (someone else, please verify this) you basically connect the centre taps from each coil together and then use the 'outer' wires from the coils. This effectively gives you a 4 wire motor.

Good luck with your router - CNC is LOTS of fun!!!

Regards
Warren

[pminmo]

If your looking to roll your own boards, open source baords at :
http://PMinMO.com

8 wire motors can be run unipolar or bipolar(both series and parallel).

Phil