I hadn't actually thought about only using it at high speeds, I might just implement it above a threshold as thats all I was worried about, high speeds. I am programming mine with PICs 16F628 although I broke one so I'm using a 16F648A not that it makes a difference. 4

I'm currently using a 4 lead motors, low torque that I had lying around. I've been looking at bigger ones which all seem to have 8 leads. Now I understand that this separates the coils but I'm not sure of the benefits as at the moment with my 4 lead motors I just use two coils and reverse the polarity. Couldn't I just join the two coils on each pole together on the 8 lead motors and use it the same as my 4 lead? I ask this because I have L293 Dual Half-H Bridge drivers by ST and I'm not sure how or whether the 8 lead motors would work with them?

Also I really don't understand why 3-axis controllers are so expensive i.e. CPU5A3 Economy 3 Axis CNC Controller is £215.00 and from what I can see all a controller is, is a serial interface to a PC, microchips to convert the Mach3 signals to pulses to the drivers and the drivers themselves? Which these parts can be salvaged or bought cheaply. Is it the plug-and-play aspect that makes the price so high?