Newbie Q's: What else is needed besides the kit?

[phil m]

My questions is in two parts really.

I've just read about those breakout boards that let you connect eStop, Home and Limit switches. I've already figured out that an eStop is the big red button to stop ther CNC when something goes wrong.

So my first question is: what are home and limit switches for and do I need them? Can someone point me to pics and workings of those?

My second question is once I've bought the 3 axis kit what else do I need to buy to make the electronics part work? I know I need a box to stick it in and I'm not asking about the CNC or the software so that basically boils down to the first question, do I need these switches and what else am I overlooking?

[ger21]

Home switches provide a repeatable reference point for the machine. Limit switches are safety switches intended to stop the machine from crashing at the ends of it's travels. You don't need either of them to get a machine running, but once you crash the machine, you may want to add them.

A quick look at the Xylotex site says you need a parallel cable and wire for the stepper motors. And software to run it.

[phil m]

Thanks very much for the info.