Originally Posted by
ger21
You've already made a big mistake by using 1605 screws. They require high rpm to get high speeds, which is difficult with steppers. And the larger the stepper, the slower they'll be. You'll probably get the best performance from 1605 screws with small Nema 34 motors, ~450oz-in, with a rating of ±6 amps.
1605 will give you plenty of precision. Geared steppers are not a good choice, as they have a lot of backlash. Driving the screw with a belt is a much better option. IF anything, you want to gear it so you have less resolution, and more speed, by spinning the screw faster, and the motor slower.
1) The purpose of a controller like this is to eliminate the need for the PC. Many people see this as a benefit, even though it is much more limiting Imo.
2) No, it's a standalone control, no PC. If you need the features a PC provides, then there's no reason to use a control like this.
3) Choice of control software is a matter of personal preference, and feature requirements. The only way to know which you prefer is to try them. Unfortunately, you can't try most without purchasing them.
Mach3 can only use controllers specifically designed for Mach3. The ESS is one of the best for Mach3, and is by far the most popular.