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IndustryArena Forum > WoodWorking Machines > DIY CNC Router Table Machines > Rookie Question...3 axis vs 4 axis controller

Thread: Rookie Question...3 axis vs 4 axis controller

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  1. 10-30-2007, 09:16 PM #1
    Ferrari2007
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    Rookie Question...3 axis vs 4 axis controller

    I am considering building my first CNC machine and have seen several designs that use 2 motors on the X Axis. I would like to use this design approach. My question is are these two motors generally wired in parallel using a 3 axis controller, or is a 4 axis controller used and it treated as a fourth axis and programmed the same as the third axis?
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  2. 10-30-2007, 11:37 PM #2
    ger21
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    Use a 4 axis drive, and let the control software slave the second X motor to the first. Mach3 has this capability.
    Gerry

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    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)
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  3. 10-31-2007, 02:22 AM #3
    Ferrari2007
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    Gerry,

    Thank you for the information, I will go the 4 axis route.

    Thanks again

    Kevin
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  4. 09-14-2009, 02:04 AM #4
    skyburt
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    I have just built a gantry style machine, I run the "y' axis with 2 motors. You slave the "A" axis motor off the "Y" .This is done in the Mach3 config settings.

    enjoy
    Burt
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