I'm playing around with building a little 4 axis "toy" router (gas pipe, roller skate bearings, maybe 12"x12" working area max) and plan on using dirt cheap round steppers from a local electronics shop. The aim here isn't for a robust metalworking machine by any means but more as a learning tool for some non cnc folks. It'll be using readyrod leadscrews and plastic slides for bearings etc.
What I need is a dirt cheap controller/breakout setup that Mach3 can control (parallel port) that (hopefully) is available in Canada (maybe some kit form you find in the plastic robots section of a store).
Anyone have any candidates that spring to mind?