I recently used a power supply and microstepping driver, combined with arduino and thumbstick/joystick (which is basically potentiometer) to control two Nema 23's for both axis on my lathe. Its far from elegant but does work.
Its a temp soltuion whilst i source a pc/laptop with parallel port.
Code for arduino is relatively simple as is the wiring.
Is this the kind of thing your on about doing??
You may infact be able to just use an arduino and a "motor sheild" if its Nema 17's.