I'm in the process of designing a 3 axis wood router. I've done my calculations and determined my steppers, drivers and power supply. The next step for me is to pick a USB breakout board & determine the software that I need to download or buy. I would appreciate any input to the following questions:

1. CNC Software: I see that Mach 3 is common, but I'm looking to build this thing on a budget and $160 is more that I had budgeted for. Are there any open source/low cost alternatives?
2. CAM software: Are there any open source options with this?
3. Breakout board: I'm looking to have 4 stepper total, with one of them slaved. I also need USB interface. Do I need to choose my CNC software before buying a breakout board to make sure it is compatible? I've found this one, but it seems to be geared for the Mach 3:

https://buildyourcnc.com/Item/electr...ach3-USB-Board

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Pete in upstate NY.