Quote Originally Posted by Sienci View Post
First is use a GRBL controller (I would suggest TinyG or a GShield, or even a CNC Shield V3.0 if you're on a strict budget). These are easy to program and have a lot of support available. i have not looked into electronics just yet , when i get to that i will probably build round digital drives like am882 or similar. so holding off purchase of anything like that just at the moment,though i am comparing some specs of controllers & drives as i go, thanks!

For CAD software, I use SolidWorks. SolidEdge, Catia, are all similar tools. These are all really really expensive, so if you don't have access to them or at least the education copies, something like Autodesk Fusion is a decent alternative. The closest cheap Solidworks alternative I have come across is Cubify 3D. A 3D modelling software is hugely useful if you can assemble your machine before building it, so you can see where you're going wrong. have noticed fusion mentioned though maybe there is something wrong with me , i am reluctant to use as along with other issue i have it is cloud based.maybe those who know will tell me this is the best option