Quote Originally Posted by JAZZCNC View Post
I'd ONLY fit an Ethernet controller, stay Away from USB it's flaky.

UC300 is the one I'd go for these days if running Mach3. Normally I'd recommend CSlabs controllers because they are superior in build quality and reliabilty but they are not supporting Mach3 any more and don't seem interested if you have a problem. The UC300 as more than enough I/O for most machines and works well enough with mach3, it also as it's own softwate UCCNC which works much better than Mach3 now and is still supported. Fit it to a decent BOB like the UB1 and your sorted.!



At those sizes then your into Nema 34 motors.
These are what I use and they are brilliant, they are 3 phase steppers so higher resolution with 1.2 Deg step angle compared to 1.8 of 2 phase motors and more powerful.
They are easy to setup and wire, and very reliable. I've fitted in excess of 100 sets and not had one faulty or give me trouble in any way. They run on Mains voltage so you don't need a PSU and being high voltage they allow high RPM which you wouldn't get from lower voltage DC motors.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3279...13616f37ZeokDw




Don't be afraid of China, I've bought from them for years and rarely do I have any issues. The suppliers I recommend are all well proven and trusted suppliers.

It's not true that it takes Weeks or Months, I've had stuff arrive in 4 days, but typically when times are normal.!! it's 2-3wks max if comes via Air freight and often that's because it's stuck in UK customs for a week. Also you know exactly what the charges will be, typically you pay VAT and a Ripp off paperwork fee from Shipping agent between £10-20. However, some parts can be subject to import duty and this depends on what category it falls into, but still you can find out exactly what the charge will be by going to Customs site and finding the import code.

I'm glad I found this thread. I am currently designing a new 3 axis and was going to use the Nema 23 4nm steppers but was still not sure they would be upto the job.
My cutting area is 700x1200x100 and will be mainly used for cutting 25mm plywood but need reliability and accuracy, for small production runs.
Now thinking of going for your suggestions JAZZCNC, cheers!