Motion controllers

[Kitwn]

Paul,

The controller, unlike the rest of the machine, is just about the only area where you can spend next to nothing up front and then upgrade later. This frees up your starting budget for getting the best hardware you can afford. Obviously if you have plenty in the piggy bank already this is not relevant!

Probably the cheapest controller is to use LinuxCNC loaded onto an old Windows XP era computer with a parallel port and a Chinese breakout board. There are still plenty of these PCs about gathering dust if you ask around which can be acquired at minimal cost. LiunxCNC is available free and is easier to install than some might have you believe. I documented the process for upgrading to the development version and setting up for gantry squaring elsewhere on MYCNCUK recently (http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/12687...LinuxCNC-v-2-8)

I've only looked briefly at the Acorn website but it does look like a much more modern approach at a sensible DIY price (though conversion to AUD doesn't make it look quite such a good deal down here!) Note that the 'free' version of the software included in the basic package does not allow 4th axis motor pairing and gantry squaring. You need to buy the upgraded version (add $139US) for that.

One final piece of advice I would offer to any new builder is to build dust extraction into your design and budget from day one, including where the extractor itself will fit in your workshop. I did without for a few years and can't now imagine why.

Kit