[Graham Prinn]

Hi folk's. So I went out and got me a new cnc router and new drivers and motors. I got the workbee 15/15 from bulk man that hasn't arrived just yet, maybe tomorrow or tonight. My drivers have arrived without instructions of course. Got closed loop drivers and motors, way to big for my machine but can used them for my second machine that I'll build. Nema 34 4.5NM huge. The drives and motors on the workbee seem so tiny, 175oz steppers.

Any way I have a question, other than mach3 which other control software would be good for closed loop set up? I do have mach3 but it's very old controls and looking to up date, mach4 is a bit pricey right now so looking to go the free or cheap way.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/4Axis-4-5Nm...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
The drivers I got.

Thanks

 

[Graham Prinn]

The description says 'Mach3' board; does that mean it only works with Mach3?

David

That's what I was wondering my self.

 

[Graham Prinn]

I agree they are monsters compared to what's coming with the machine. https://www.ebay.com/itm/123758811267 that's what comes with the machine plus 175 oz steppers, I do have 3 425 oz stepper so I might use those for the x and y axis then use the 175 oz for the z, then use the monster set up for my next build. Which will be a 4x8 machine with R&P instead of screws.

I'll look into the GRBL.
I see the drivers are TB6600s I also have an extra 24 volt power supply if I need it to run the bigger motors.
I also have a 3 axis TB6600 so I'm wondering if I could use that for an extra axis like a rotary? That one doesn't need a break out board.

 

[Graham Prinn]

Man I just made a reply but the forum timed out on me and lost all I wrote, bugger.

Any way I have 2 24 volt ps and 2 60 volt that came with my 34 nema kit. Probably just use the 24 volts

I can fix the flex down the road with angle iron and change the bearings to metal and have them ride along the angle the thing I'm more worried about is the whip from the 8 mil lead screw. Why would anyone use a 3d printer lead screw for a larger machine is beyond me. I get that they are cheap but even a 3/8 multi start would be better and same price or not that much more.