Unipolar Motor Controller Help

[jake292]

I am in the process of converting an old flat bed camera into a PC based mill.

Flat Bed Camera to Mill conversion

The mechanical aspect I feel pretty comfortable with, it's the controller and motor configuration that seems scary. I would like to build this mill as cheaply as possible. I run a small printing company and have been considering doing some engraving or pcb's. I have some motors I would like to use "re-purposed" from an old copier. All three are 5 wire unipolar and 2 of them are identical. I plan to use the matched pair for X and Y (1.8 degree step, 8.8v, 0.8 amps). And, the other (1.8 degree step, 3.36v, 2.9 amps/phase, 2 phase) for Z. I know that the motors used has bearing on the controller. Which brings my questions.

Are these motors suitable? Can the 2 phase be used with the single phase motors? I would like to use them since they were free but, I'm not married to them either.

Could anyone recommend an appropriate inexpensive controller? Should I even consider building a controller? I see kits that seem to hold a lot of promise but, that brings a list of other questions. Does this kit allow for limit/home switches? E-stop? Do I need a driver in addition to this controller? What is a breakout board anyway?

[pminmo]

The 8.8v .8a motors are probably not real strong, but if your mechanics are efficient and engraving and pcb is all you are doing they maybe ok.

Maybe this will help you sort out some of your questions:
http://www.pminmo.com/wiki/index.php...etting_Started