[mojy2k]

Hi,

I am making a CNC mill (router) for my GCSE Project an I am following jgro's plans in the download section although I am going to make it about twice the length and width.

Now i'm at the stage where I am picking out the right motor and drivers.

Please can someone point me in the right direction?
I would preferably like to use http://rswww.com for purchasing equipment.

Can someone shed some light on what type of motors I need?
Im guessing 1.80 Step Angle Stepper Motor?

Thanks alot,
Adrian

[kong]

You will be best advised to stay away from www.rswww.com, unless you have stacks of cash! Import is the way to save money. What is your budget anyhow?

[posix]

Hactully! http://www.lamonde.com for some el cheapo steppers, 27 quid a pop for 272oz/in jobbies which should be more than enough for your gcse and 434oz/in at 67 quid for an a-level project

chips for driver boards http://uk.farnell.com (they have 'em all) or http://www.electronelec.co.uk (for some items not available at farnell)

STAY AWAY FROM RS COMPONENTS!!! Their steppers are 3 times what they should be! (chair)

Your local B&Q should have plenty of threaded rod and aluminium profile/MDF for your needs. :cheers: and good luck!

P.S. make sure you get to keep it as your school might own the thing once you finish it. i.e. read the small print.

[ViperTX]

Rather intriguing....I've a few queries....How many Euros to a quid? B&Q is that your local hardware store / lumber yard?

[kong]

Yep, B&Q is the local DIY centre, I take it that is the same as Home Depot.
Current exchange rate is $1.9US to £1, unsure on the euros though!

[posix]

see http://finance.yahoo.co.uk for current exchange rates

[mojy2k]

Cheers for your replies guys, very helpful.

I have been taking a look at sites that you have recommended and other sites on here.

I am thinking of this driver board:
http://www.hobbycnc.com/driverboards/4aupc/4aupc.htm

along with 3 6wire unipolar steppers.

I understand that with this driver board, I have to set the microstepping to 1/4 if I am using 1/4-20 threaded rod ?

If I am unable to find the motors, would it be a wise choice for me to go for the

3AUPC Kit + (3) 200oz-in, 3v, 3A,
Dual Shaft Steppers @$45ea

package on this page http://www.hobbycnc.com/driverboards/4aupc/4aupc.htm ?

[10bulls]

Hey Adrian,

Well done on choosing CNC for your GCSE!

I bought my steppers from the follwing....http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/
They also do a good line of general engineering stuff and are pretty helpful.
They do stepper controllers as well.
It would be a bit of a challenge but you may consider making your own drivers. I've built Garfield2's PICStep and they are working sweet. Probably won't be any cheaper than buying drivers and certainly a lot more work, but you'll learn heaps of skills that make come in handy.
Keep your eyes peeled for large surplus dot matrix or laser printers.
They are usually a good source of steppers and other nice bits and pieces.
For general electronics stuff, farnell are sometimes a bit cheaper than RS.
Keep up the good work and be sure to keep us updated!

[sp00k1e]

Also Pminmo's a3977SED board on the open source forum. I believe this is the same driver as the zylotex. He also has a lot of other driver circuits.

Good luck.
Paul

[signIT]

Hi,
Arceurotrade a nice company, they have all parts that I have decided to buy at prices that one only can dream about, it is a pity that they only sell to UK customers.

SignIT

[kong]

It may be worth phoning them and asking about european delivery. They are called "euro trade" after all!

[10bulls]

...it is a pity that they only sell to UK customers.

Phone them up! I'd be surprised if they wouldn't ship to Sweden.

[signIT]

They answered my mail today and it was positive, they have some interesting parts at very low price ???? I'm astonished and very positive ;-)

Signit

[mojy2k]

Sorry for my slow reply guys.

Arcseurotrade seems the best so far with their 180Nm hybrid steppers.

And so does the hobbycnc board. I understand that the hobbycnc board accomodates access for limit switches, correct?

My teacher suggested that I put limit switches on, either the conventional type or other methods like proximity if i wanted to make it more advanced.

Thanks again