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[01012f]

Yes, I quickly realised the steppers were too small. I'm not against changing them but only if I really need to (I probably do).
I want to test the lead screws first, then I'll consider the steppers

My controller board has built in stepper drivers (little plug in boards). Nema23 steppers will draw more current than the board is rated for. Is there a way to connect the DM542 type driver to my controller board? ie removing the plug in board and wiring in the DM542 type ?

[dazp1976]

Yes, I quickly realised the steppers were too small. I'm not against changing them but only if I really need to (I probably do).
I want to test the lead screws first, then I'll consider the steppers
My controller board has built in stepper drivers (little plug in boards). Nema23 steppers will draw more current than the board is rated for. Is there a way to connect the DM542 type driver to my controller board? ie removing the plug in board and wiring in the DM542 type ?

At the end of the day you say you want something that will do aluminium and wood.
It will need to be fairly rigid and have some decent drive.
If you try and do it really low budget, try to fudge controls and are willing to cut corners. Then I suggest you abandon it.
It's a far cry away from a £50 3d printer kit.

I'm surprised the steppers moves at all with 3:1 (big pulley stepper > little pulley screw) yes?.
You don't even need that inless you're trying to achieve a possible 15,000mm/min top speed (15m)! (that's based on 5mm screw)
Most machines I see this size are direct driven (no belts) or 2:1. The long base driven by 2 steppers 1+slave.

Direct drive with a stepper of max 1000rpm driven direct gives max 5000mm/min with 5mm pitch screw..
If you want more speed you either get 10mm pitch screws or just buy AC servos with 3000rpm (NOT hybrid stepper type).

I suggest you do more research, look at more images etc and go from there.
I mean to buy a basic Workbee (crap) which aren't great with cutting alum, are £1500 start WITHOUT even a router head.

[01012f]

At the end of the day you say you want something that will do aluminium and wood.
It will need to be fairly rigid and have some decent drive.

Mainly wood with a bit of aluminium but yes, I get your point

If you try and do it really low budget, try to fudge controls and are willing to cut corners. Then I suggest you abandon it.
It's a far cry away from a £50 3d printer kit.

hmm, maybe a misunderstanding.
I'm willing to fudge and cut corners to test if something works, if it does then I do it properly :)

I'm surprised the steppers moves at all with 3:1 (big pulley stepper > little pulley screw) yes?.

no mate, the other way around, little pulley on stepper -> big pulley on shaft, little pulley on other end onto the drive belt. so the stepper will turn 3 times to make the belt pulley turn once.
But as mentioned above, I've already decided to drop that in favour of dual lead screws

Most machines I see this size are direct driven (no belts) or 2:1. The long base driven by 2 steppers 1+slave.

that's where I'm headng

I fully accept I'm doing this with no experience but it's getting there, slowly, and i'm learning and having fun. Hopefully I'll end up with something that does what I want but either way, I'll enjoy the journey :)

Thanks for your input