[abomb55076]

I am beginning my second DIY build of a wood routing CNC but I was interested in trying to put some more thought into the product selection process of this one before I start buying things. I would like to stick with mach 3 because I already own the software and have a very good handle of how to use it. I am looking for suggestions on fairly good controllers with 3 to 4 axis, capable of adding encoders, and spindle control, thats not going to be super expensive. In addition, I have always just used a porter cable router on my machine and manually started and adjusted speed before starting a program so I am also interested in suggestions for a nice spindle that can easily handle wood and possibly some aluminum if I can gather enough courage.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[abomb55076]

As i said, any suggestions or help is greatly appreciated.

[ger21]

When you say "controller" do you mean a Mach3 compatible motion controller, like a smoothstepper, or a 4 axis stepper drive?

As for spindles, most people use the 2.2Kw water cooled spindles from China purchased on Ebay.

[abomb55076]

When you say "controller" do you mean a Mach3 compatible motion controller, like a smoothstepper, or a 4 axis stepper drive?

As for spindles, most people use the 2.2Kw water cooled spindles from China purchased on Ebay.

Yes, I mean a Mach 3 compatible motion controller such as a maxnc controller, or gecko drive.

[ger21]

A gecko drive is not a motion controller.

[abomb55076]

I guess I'm not sure what I need then... Can someone please explain the difference for me? My last machine was run off a maxnc close loop system.

[abomb55076]

what is the difference between a geck drive and the maxnc controllers? I know that the maxnc contains the power supply.

[ger21]

A Gecko is a stepper motor drive. You send it step and direction signals, and it controls the motor movement.
Mach3 is the "controller". It reads g-code files, and sends step and direction signals to the stepper drives.

You can use Mach3 on of two ways.
One, by sending signals through the parallel port.
Or, two, by using an external motion controller. External motion controllers receive low level commands from Mach3, and generate their own step and direction signals. This has several advantages. The motion controller also handles certain tasks like homing and probing , and passes the information along to Mach3.

[abomb55076]

Ohh, gotcha, so is a maxnc unit a stepper motor drive? I guess I didnt really know what was going on behind the schenes once I got the thing set up but it seems as though most of the work is being done by mach 3.

[abomb55076]

Im interested in one of the chinese spindles.. does anyone know the best place to purchase them? I was looking to buy the entire kit with the spindle, frequency drive, collet set, and spindle mount.