Quote Originally Posted by grantx View Post
I only need the three axis. xyz.

Why do you say closed loop is misleading?

Hypothetically if I did need to upgrade, what would be a suitable setup? Now I do realise that the quality of cnc equipment lies on a very broad spectrum of quality standards and that there are unlimited combinations available, making my question nonsensical to seasoned veterans here. However.....in my situation where I will be cutting exclusively wood (soft and hard), possibly a few hours a day, on a sturdy metal frame with 15mm ball screws attached - what would a proper setup look like?

4 x Nema23 closed loop. (2 for X, 1 for Y, 1 for Z)
AXBB-E controller with accompanying software.
2 x Power supply ( 1 for X and 1 for Y and Z)
Controllers (Do I need 1 for each motor drive?)
Ask JAZZCNC (Dean) about the Lichuan A86 drivers and 2102 motors he has if you're serious about closed loop.
One of the best options in the u.k. atm afaic.
You can hook those up directly to a 55vac toroidal power transformer for simplicity.
The AXBB-E has enough outputs for 4 axis, spindle and ancilliaries straight out the box (3+ slave in your case).
Initial outlay is a cost but..... you won't be constantly pratting about with a setup like this if you wire it correctly first time.

The documentation on the Lichuan is ok and I'm sure Dean will help you out.