Recommended controller and stepper drivers for new build

[JAZZCNC]

I am getting the impression that servo drives may not be that necessary so am looking for micro stepped nema23 with 3Nm torque. Can anybody recommend good drivers/ stepper motor suppliers,

Ok well, personally I wouldn't use a Standard stepper system these days if you want the best system without going to the expense and complexity of servos.
The closed-loop stepper system is far better than the Standard stepper system for a few reasons, provided you buy the right one.?

Basically there are types of closed-loop motor, 2 phase or 3 phase, 3 phase is the better type. They give a smoother movement because the Step angle is lower, usually, they come with either 1.2deg or 0.9deg compared to 1.8 deg found on standard 2 phase hybrid stepper. They are also more powerful and less prone to resonance.

This means instead of 200 steps per revolution you get 300 or 400 depending on if 1.2 or 0.9deg. That translates into smoother motion, however like everything in good in life it comes at a cost, in this case for a given RPM it requires more pulses from the controller. So if you have a controller with a low or limited frequency then you will get less speed. That said if your buying an external controller, which it sounds like you are and the area I'm coming to next, it won't be an issue.

These are what I use on small machines like this and they work great. I've fitted loads of these on small machines like what your building.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3245...533b761fP4ER5j

also a controller that has USB and some support. It seems so much electronics here is from china with poor support/ documentation.

Don't go with USB, Ethernet is much more reliable and fitted to most PC's. USB is flaky and gives all sorts of troubles with electrical noise.

The AXBB from CncDrive Motion controls sounds about perfect for your needs or if you want to future proof with more I/O and spend a little more then go with it's bigger brother the UC300 and a UB1 breakout board. It works with Mach3/4 or UCCNC software.

http://cncdrive.com/AXBB.html

I am quite tempted by the planetCNC controller and software as seems that its quite regarded and can work with several platforms including osX. Bit of a mine field out there it seems. Im pending good money on all the mechanics so don't want to skimp on poor quality electrics

I like the PlanetCNC software very much but the fact the Controller is USB lets it down in my book. I won't use USB on any machines I build because it's too unreliable.

You are correct not to Skimp on the electronics, it's the heart of the machine and the single biggest cause of trouble on many machines that use low-quality electrics.