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[01012f]

Yes, I quickly realised the steppers were too small. I'm not against changing them but only if I really need to (I probably do).
I want to test the lead screws first, then I'll consider the steppers

My controller board has built in stepper drivers (little plug in boards). Nema23 steppers will draw more current than the board is rated for. Is there a way to connect the DM542 type driver to my controller board? ie removing the plug in board and wiring in the DM542 type ?

[dazp1976]

Yes, I quickly realised the steppers were too small. I'm not against changing them but only if I really need to (I probably do).
I want to test the lead screws first, then I'll consider the steppers
My controller board has built in stepper drivers (little plug in boards). Nema23 steppers will draw more current than the board is rated for. Is there a way to connect the DM542 type driver to my controller board? ie removing the plug in board and wiring in the DM542 type ?

At the end of the day you say you want something that will do aluminium and wood.
It will need to be fairly rigid and have some decent drive.
If you try and do it really low budget, try to fudge controls and are willing to cut corners. Then I suggest you abandon it.
It's a far cry away from a £50 3d printer kit.

I'm surprised the steppers moves at all with 3:1 (big pulley stepper > little pulley screw) yes?.
You don't even need that inless you're trying to achieve a possible 15,000mm/min top speed (15m)! (that's based on 5mm screw)
Most machines I see this size are direct driven (no belts) or 2:1. The long base driven by 2 steppers 1+slave.

Direct drive with a stepper of max 1000rpm driven direct gives max 5000mm/min with 5mm pitch screw..
If you want more speed you either get 10mm pitch screws or just buy AC servos with 3000rpm (NOT hybrid stepper type).

I suggest you do more research, look at more images etc and go from there.
I mean to buy a basic Workbee (crap) which aren't great with cutting alum, are £1500 start WITHOUT even a router head.

[01012f]

At the end of the day you say you want something that will do aluminium and wood.
It will need to be fairly rigid and have some decent drive.

Mainly wood with a bit of aluminium but yes, I get your point

If you try and do it really low budget, try to fudge controls and are willing to cut corners. Then I suggest you abandon it.
It's a far cry away from a £50 3d printer kit.

hmm, maybe a misunderstanding.
I'm willing to fudge and cut corners to test if something works, if it does then I do it properly :)

I'm surprised the steppers moves at all with 3:1 (big pulley stepper > little pulley screw) yes?.

no mate, the other way around, little pulley on stepper -> big pulley on shaft, little pulley on other end onto the drive belt. so the stepper will turn 3 times to make the belt pulley turn once.
But as mentioned above, I've already decided to drop that in favour of dual lead screws

Most machines I see this size are direct driven (no belts) or 2:1. The long base driven by 2 steppers 1+slave.

that's where I'm headng

I fully accept I'm doing this with no experience but it's getting there, slowly, and i'm learning and having fun. Hopefully I'll end up with something that does what I want but either way, I'll enjoy the journey :)

Thanks for your input

[RobC]

I would say a proper set of drivers would be a better solution and go with a dedicated controller that you can do much more with. I use a very cheap generic 5 axis bob but then I've had to buy a more expensive UC100 so I can use it and it's worked great now for 4 years but it's dependant on how much money you want to spend on this. I personally would go back to using the Hiwin rails over the round rails after using round rails for years.


Rob

[Doddy]

Ooof, Just watched your videos - you've receive good advice so far.

One point from me which I don't think is covered from what I've skim-read - please don't connect/disconect steppers with the drivers powered/active. Being an inductive load, and that the stepper windings are under constant excitation you will generate high-voltage spikes on supply interruption to the stepper that can damage your drivers. Not much of an issue if you're replacing that kit, but useful to get into a habit of powering down. The problem gets bigger as the steppers (and drive currents) get bigger.

[01012f]

Time for a long overdue update on my progress.

I followed advice from here and upgraded -
1, all the steppers to 425oz Nema23s from 60oz Nema 17s
2, the stepper drivers to external drivers
3, to a 48v 600w power supply from 12v 750w
4, the y-axis to dual leadscrews from dual belt
That lot is all in and working a treat

I've got limit switches on both ends of each axis
And I've made x-axis and z-axis carriages from 6mm aluminium

I think I'll need to spend time tuning it all in, it's a bit noisy and lumpy in places.

It's all there really. It just now needs tidying up, ie cables in drag chains, a controller board making up, e-stop etc.
Then I need to sort out a waste board and a router/spindle of some sort. The original plan was to use my main router but I've since realised that it doesn't dis-assemble to a mountable form.

It's been fun building it

latest update video https://youtu.be/loWaDqnpO-Y