584,874 active members*
5,112 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Posts
    124

    CNC mill electronics help

    I have a taig CR ready mill (2 of them actually)
    I have a setup that is ready to bolt onto one of them but the other I have nothing. Looking for recommendations on something (inexpensive) just to get it working and do light cuts on aluminum, wood etc so I can sell it. So I don't want to spend $300+ on it just to sell it.
    Would need the motors and all electronics and something I can run mach3 demo on and have it be plugged in via USB.

    Something less than $200(MAX) the cheaper the better.

    Also I have never used mach3 so if anyone has a setup file they can share that would help me out tremendously. My setup going on the other mill is all flashcut plug n plug play.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    5728

    Re: CNC mill electronics help

    Don't bother putting a cheap and crappy control system on it; sell it CNC-ready and let someone else make that mistake if they must.
    Andrew Werby
    Website

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Posts
    124

    Re: CNC mill electronics help

    I still haven't figured out the difference between a 'good' controller and a 'not so good' one.
    So I can get a cheap breakout board for $60 and drivers for $15each. Say $105. It's good for 3 or 4 amps. What benefit would a gecko that is rated for the same amperage have at 2.5x the price? They both would run mach3.
    Would I get any noticeable difference (aside from warranty and support)?

    Also while I'm thinking about it.
    So whats the difference between using say a 480oz motor at 2amps and a 270oz motor at 4amps. Which is more important and why?
    I always thought having a larger motor was better but the amperage draw has me a little perplexed.




    looking at this board
    https://www.amazon.com/SainSmart-Mot...art+4+axis+cnc

    maybe these drivers? Not sure what to look for in specs exactly
    https://www.amazon.com/SMAKN®-Upgrad..._&dpSrc=detail


    And while I'm at it. Is there any real difference between these PSU and one I can pull out of a desktop pc?
    https://www.amazon.com/NEWSTYLE-Univ...V680117HJ58QCB

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Posts
    540

    Re: CNC mill electronics help

    I have a gecko g540 and I've built 3-4 machines using Automation Technologies KL kits and also cheap $10 china 5 axis breakout boards and $10 TB6600 drivers. Actually, they have all worked fine and I haven't had any particular issues or disappointments with any of it, whereas I have had issues with the "better" breakout boards from CNC4PC. Maybe just luck, but when you can buy a extra backup BoB and a couple extra backup drivers and have everything you need other than the power supply for about $70, it works for many projects. No frills, but they work.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Posts
    149

    Re: CNC mill electronics help

    Quote Originally Posted by awerby View Post
    Don't bother putting a cheap and crappy control system on it; sell it CNC-ready and let someone else make that mistake if they must.

    Best advice I have seen here in a long time.

Similar Threads

  1. Bridgeport BOSS cnc MILL no electronics. $300
    By diyengineer in forum Want To Buy...Need help!
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 01-25-2012, 11:14 AM
  2. BF20 style mill electronics
    By tkubic in forum Benchtop Machines
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 07-04-2011, 07:54 PM
  3. Mill Drill Conversion Vendor Questions - Electronics
    By Hack in forum Benchtop Machines
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 12-14-2008, 05:48 PM
  4. Replies: 5
    Last Post: 04-20-2008, 01:16 PM
  5. CNC Mill Electronics Design
    By apollo in forum CNC Machine Related Electronics
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 04-14-2004, 01:57 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •