60 40 Controller

[Norman]

I have a 6040 cnc machine. but no controller. That is no box, or any parts. I need to buy one that I can plug in to the 240 power, attach XYZ to machine, and run 3 axis machine with 1500 router. I want to purchase the complete box. Hopefully full price under $600 Australian. Preference not Mach 3 or 4, Would appreciate advice Norman

[m_c]

If you want to avoid Mach, then I'd doubt that there is anything available ready to go, and something custom built by somebody else is likely to cost more than $600.

[Lee Roberts]

Hey @Norman welcome to the community and thanks for joining!

Your budget’s definitely tight for a full plug-and-play controller setup that isn’t Mach-based, but not impossible.

If you're looking to avoid Mach 3/4, I'd suggest looking into GRBL, Masso, or even Centroid Acorn, but do note:

GRBL-based boxes (like the OpenBuilds BlackBox or similar) can be relatively affordable, they are easy to set up really and often support G-code sending from something like UGS or CNCjs (browser-based interface, real-time control). They’ll typically run on 24V, so you’d need compatible stepper drivers or an integrated board.

Masso is more expensive and probably outside your budget to be fair, but it’s a great standalone controller with no PC needed.

Centroid Acorn is a solid, Windows-based controller with a tidy interface and support, but again, it’ll push you closer to the top end of your budget once you factor in a power supply and enclosure ?

If you want to stay under $600 Aussie (about £300 GBP for our shores), your best shot is then a GRBL or Mach-compatible controller from AliExpress and/or Amazon, but be very careful with the specs, a lot of them are cheap but poorly made.

Run specific units via the marketplace sub forum if un sure

Let us know what steppers you’re running (NEMA23? 34?) and if you already have drivers, what they are too, that can help narrow down options.