thanks for the input lads, think ill keep it to the recommended 42v then.

Jonathan, not sure if you checked out the link i posted but in the tests that were carried out, the other board examined was the rattm brand one you linked to. and to be honest the reason i chose to buy the haoyu board was due to that comparison

interesting that those tests were only done at 24v, i'd be pleasently surprised to see some sort of reliability at the 36v to 42v range

obviously these would never replace the higher voltage drivers but i see a real appeal for people with a low budget and or small machines (such as the tiny lathe i will be using these on).