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Author Topic: Mach3, motors and drivers  (Read 4274 times)

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Mach3, motors and drivers
« on: October 08, 2012, 05:30:23 PM »
I'm a newbie to CNC and sure could use some help.
I want to build a fairly large 10'x7'x5'h hotwire foam cutter for cutting out monument signs and 3D letters and I've looked at alot of stepper motors and drivers on Ebay. I want 5 axis in my system. Two in the x two in the y and a fifth for a lathe/turntable. The machine will not need alot of torque because the wire isn't supposed tp encounter any resistance and the y/gantry is relatively light.  Would 263 in/oz steppers be enough? or 425 in/oz? They also have some which are 800 in/oz/ The machine will be running slow so will I need reducer gears or can the steppers handle the low speeds?

Mach3 is supposed to act as the 'controller' right? So If I use Mach3, what components will I not need? a breakout board? drivers? Is nema 23 big enough or are the shafts strong enough to operate a tight enough timing belt between pulleys 10' apart? I'm not totally lost but just about. :)

Oh yes, my frame will be made of 1.5x3 80/20 aluminum t-slot. and I plan to use v-groove wheels, home made v-rails and timing belts for all linear motion.

Thanks for the help!
Wayne

Here's some of the stuff I found....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gear-Speed-Reducer-Stepper-motor-Ratio-1-5-1-10-1-20-1-50-NEMA-23-3-5A-Gearhead-/251104406507?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27%26meid%3D2599889125157947911%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1011%26rk%3D2%26sd%3D150849030542%26

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CNC-Kit-5Axis-Breakout-Board-Handle-Controller-Display-5x-MA860H-Stepper-Drive-/200825580388?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec2232b64

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-Axis-Driver-Board-24V-PSU-263-Oz-in-Stepper-Motor-Mach3-Software-CNC-Kit-/280976584102?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416b826da6
« Last Edit: October 08, 2012, 05:42:32 PM by 3Dsigns »

Offline Chaoticone

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Re: Mach3, motors and drivers
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2012, 05:59:50 PM »
Wayne, this link may help you with your design.

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/board,34.0.html

Brett
;D If you could see the things I have in my head, you would be laughing too. ;D

My guard dog is not what you need to worry about!
Re: Mach3, motors and drivers
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2012, 06:41:15 PM »
Thanks Chaoticone!
Re: Mach3, motors and drivers
« Reply #3 on: October 08, 2012, 06:41:42 PM »
I mean...Brett
Re: Mach3, motors and drivers
« Reply #4 on: October 09, 2012, 10:59:21 AM »
Quick question.
My Shopbot PRT96 has Vexta steppers and it can operate quite slow without reducer gears. I'm wondering if I even need reducer gears at all on a hotwire machine?

Offline Chaoticone

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Re: Mach3, motors and drivers
« Reply #5 on: October 09, 2012, 04:24:35 PM »
Well, its hard to say.  Lots of variables there.  The best advice I can give you is to really do your research and home work.  There is a lot of information on the net to help you make informed decisions.  I have seen calculators, spread sheets and even some applications for this.  I think dynamotion had a pretty through app.  You may also want to have a look at stock drive.

Brett
;D If you could see the things I have in my head, you would be laughing too. ;D

My guard dog is not what you need to worry about!