Hello,

I have run a router for a few year, home built (1000mm x 800mm x 150mm) using Mach3 on an old XP machine. The BOB (break out board) was from CNC4YOU, the HG08. It has for the best part been...ok... a few XP/MACH3 crashes and the odd un explained error or excursion! The other machine I have is a Warco GH Universal that again uses the same XP machine but the CPO10V BOB again from CNC4YOU. This mill has a 3 phase motor running through the original Warco GH gearbox, so spindle speed tops out around 3200rpm but I can change gear to give torque when needed. I also have made my own Tormach style tool holders which certainly speed tool changes up but the 20mm R8 collet can't be relied on for roughing with bigger cutters.

I have been getting more and more frustrated with MACH3 interface and stability. Not really sure where the in-stability is coming from but the most common error I get is that the USB keyboard stops working or acts as if a key is permanently held down. Sometimes unplugging the keyboard and plugging back in sorts it, other times its a MACH3 restart or PC restart. I am finding jogging around with the keyboard a pain, I have a XHC pendant but it works little better than the keyboard and knowing which direction its going to travel always catches me (maybe I should practice more!)

For workflow I use SolidWorks in my job and use Fusion to create toolpaths. Don't know about anybody else but the sketcher in Fusion is hard work!

So I am on the hunt for a better motion control solution. This is probably going to create a load of groans and one mans great controller is another mans nightmare! I think I would prefer a non PC based solution but could be convinced otherwise.

So far I ve had a little look at

UC400ETH Ethernet (UCCNC)

AXBB-E ethernet

DDCS 3.1 Controller

Masso 3 axis (Favorite so far)

and disregarded

Machifit SMC5-5-N-N

NVEM 5 Axis CNC Controller Ethernet

WiXHC USB Mk3

So any advice either long or short reply would be appreciated.

Cheers
Simon