My first CNC finally arrived! (6040)

[d4cnc]

My first CNC machine finally turned up just before xmas and I've been anxiously trying to get the table/enclosure ready for it so I can start to use it finally!




The table is near enough finished so I now turn my attention on to the upgrades required to make the first cuts as painless as possible. (without breaking the bank too much)


Looking at what I have got..

• 3 of 57HD5401-14S/8 Stepper Motor - 1.8 step angle. 3A N1508
• A blue controller box with an all in one controller/driver board.. JP 3163B (Same as this one)
• A 24V 8.3A switching supply
• A 1.5kW VFD for the water cooled 800W spindle.
• This 35W 24V diaphragm pump

As I understand from a similar machine thread here, the PSU and drivers aren't up to the task of running the motors.. As such I'm considering going with three planet cnc driver boards - the 6A 50V capable one.. http://www.planet-cnc.com/files/MotorDriver60A-256.pdf


Which brings me to the first question..

1) Is this driver reasonable for my needs? (Mostly cutting prototypes using thin (less than 3mm) aluminium)
2) Would you buy better motors at this stage or are mine ok? (coupled with beefier drivers & a higher voltage PSU)
http://www.mycncuk.com/archive/index.php/t-7871.html


PSU wise, I'll probably either build something or buy their 48V PSU.. not decided yet..



Cables.. as I need longer cables.. about 3 or 4 meters length, it's just as easy to rewire it all with shielded cable so I'm planning to do that..


3) Are my cable choices ok..?
4 core screened CY 0.75mm^2 http://cpc.farnell.com/1/1/196553--c...m-grey-1m.html
Or 1mm^2 http://cpc.farnell.com/1/1/210633--c...m-grey-1m.html


4) I'm planning on adding 5 limit & 3 home switches. I've got some inductive proximity NPN NO coming which I'm planning for homing.. For limit switches.. I'm not 100% sure yet.. any tips?
Am I right in thinking that the switch isn't so important.. so could be a simple switch like this..
Not entirely sure the best way to go with regards to wiring them with the controller inputs available to me... (probably the planet cnc mk 3 - pdf manual here: http://www.zappautomation.co.uk/prod...ownload?id=168 )


Any tips greatly appreciated !