[Blindman17]

Over the past few weeks I've become increasingly interested in CNC. I guess I've been for a long time, but recently the I discovered the possibility of actually building one of these machines. At this point, I'm starting to design a machine that would eventually create the parts for a larger aluminum cutting machine. Right now, I just want to build a small machine as a test bed for some of my ideas. Maybe make it big enough to mount a Dremel. I don't have alot of spare money floating around right now, so I figured my first project would be crude at best, and built cheaply.
As I was considering drive systems, I remembered that I have 4 Futaba R/C servos lying around, and I was wondering if anyone has experimented with something like that. I'll buy stepper motors and control interfaces for the real machine, but i figured I'd ask around to see if the things I have on hand would work for my prototype. Does anyone have any ideas on how to build a breakout board to control these servos?
Any help would be great, I have a feeling this forum is loaded with people who know much more than I do on the subject of CNC. Thanks for any advice you can give a newcomer with big ideas!

[ger21]

Imo, you'd be better off buying a $65 HobbyCNC EZ driver board and some $13 steppers.
http://www.mpja.com/prodinfo.asp?number=17748+MS

[johnmac]

Skip the dremel tool. They have too much plastic and try to flex. Most are under powered and bog down too much. The 1/8" collet leaves you with a limited choice of bits. Use a 1/4" trim router. Even the cheap trim router from Harbor Freight Tools will do much better.

John

[Fastest1]

2 wonderful pieces of advice so far!

[atwooddon]

I don't believe the Futaba RC servos will do what you are wanting. They will have a very limited range of motion using their existing geometry. If you put much longer servo arms on the servos to get more motion, they will not have enough strength to move the axis.

I agree with the above post, stick with something like the HobbyCNC boards and some inexpensive stepper motors to do your initial prototyping. I have built 2 of the HobbyCNC EZ 3 axis boards and both have worked very well.

Don