Control / Driver replacements

[pmcb1011]

Hi Folks,
I looking for some guidance on a replacement 4 axis controller and driver boards.
I have a DIY cnc set from Roy cnc (I think) which water has gotten into, the only thing left is the enclosure.
I have been looking about without much success, there is a few on ebay but I don't know what I'm buying.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Patrick

[Chaz]

First question, to drive what, steppers or servos?

Once you know then, what budget and what control system?

That will help answer the question.

[pmcb1011]

I have a Boxford Midimill which was converted to run Mach3.
As for the budget around £200.
Cheers
Patrick

[Chaz]

Im just about to do an upgrade on my CNC Lathe to a more expensive Centroid system.

I'll have my setup for sale if you are interested.

Its a Pokeys 57U board + Expansion board. It runs off USB, so need for serial etc, let me know if interested.

If you have an existing parallel port etc, you can just get a cheap BOB on ebay for under £10. Do you have any pics of the bit that has failed?

[pmcb1011]

I have PM you.
Cheers
Patrick

[pmcb1011]

Any more suggestions folks/
cheers
Patrick

[m_c]

Are you looking for something ready built and just needing steppers/computer connected, or individual parts to build a control box?

[pmcb1011]

Not too worried if I have to build up myself, as long as it's reliable.

[m_c]

In that case, cheap BOB from eBay. Just search for CNC Breakout Board. Take your pick of any of the 5axis one that every man and their dog seem to be selling. Cheap and do the job.

Then select your choice of stepper drivers.
Assuming relatively small steppers (up to 5A), at the cheap end, TB6600 drivers.
Bit more expensive are the DM542 drives. Next up would be something like AM882's.

Only thing I can't remember, is if that board can handle spindle drives that are not isolated i.e. the typical basic KBIC/SCR drives used for DC spindle motors.

[pmcb1011]

Thanks for your help with this.
Patrick