I'm looking to build my first cnc machine using a fram from modularcnc.com, 225 or 325 seems like a great price to me. and I'll use a harbour freight router head.

for stepper motor I was thinking of the ones used in reprap or makerbot
http://store.makerbot.com/motors/ste...51-24-08b.html

it's a Nema 23 - Keling KL23H51-24-08B.

now, my issue is... how do I drive it?

as I'm on a budget I'm not really looking to buy a $200 controller.. I can see some on ebay for $50, though I have no idea if they're good or not. some list as being able to work with mach3 etc,

but what would all you pros here recommend?

(I should note, I'm perfectly ok with etching a board and programming pic's, atmel or arduino. so if there's an open source router, it might be a good idea)


Thanks everyone!!