Hobby CNC Driver Boards

[cpt kaneo]

I am currently building a CNC router and am researching the controller for the stepper motors. I have been looking at the kits on hobbycnc.com and was wondering if anyone has used these before. If so how easy are they to put together, and ultimately how good are they in use.

thanks
kane

[Westozy]

Hi Kane, I am using this board and it works great http://cgi.ebay.com.au/4-Axis-TB6560-CNC-Stepper-Motor-Driver-Board-Controller_W0QQitemZ250596673912QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment?hash=item3a58b9c978
Ebay has cheap stepper motors too...

Cheers, Gwyn

[cpt kaneo]

Thanks for that Gywn. I've found some motors that I'm going to buy on ebay. I would prefer to get a controller already build like that rather then put it together myself. It would probably work out the same amount as well with postage and everything.

Thanks
Kane

[Westozy]

The Ebay page has links to the instructions and specs etc too.

Gwyn

[DaveC3]

Kane

I have three HobbyCNC boards. You will need to have basic soldering skills. There are easy to follow assembly instructions. I have never had problems with thee boards.

Have fun

Dave

[iwik]

Hi Kane,
Ill second that,Hobbycnc boards are great,no trouble here either.Its run for hours cutting panels without problems.
Les

[Buddym]

I have read really good things about them over on the CNC Zone website. Lot's of people use them, and have no problems with them. As a side note I am putting a complete driver kit on the classifieds here. It's the motors, power supply, power resistors and controller that I had on my first CNC machine. This is a link to the website where I bought it:

http://www.stepperworld.com/FET3hobbyist.htm


Buddy

[Perik]

Kane, same here.

I have a 4 axis HobbyCNC board running 3A steppers and always cut as told.

Very happy customer!

[cpt kaneo]

Wow, I didn't expect this many replies, thanks. I will have to have a think about which I will go for, but it's good to hear that everyone has had no problems. I am still setting up my machine so I won't need to order the controller for about a week, so plenty of time to think about it. I have built circuits before from kits so I am comfortable soldering all the components together, just wondering If it's worth doing that or getting one thats already build as it may come out the same.

thanks again
Kane

[Tripacer]

Kane,
I can second the recommendation for Stepperwolrd. I am using a complete kit from them and it works fine. I use Kellyware KCAM software to control the router. I had no problems assembling everything. If there is a downside, the Stepperworld board uses a true parallel port for its interface and they are scarce on modern computers. I also found that when trying to drive the board with a laptop that some of the parallel port pins did not have enough voltge to trigger the board.
I built my three-axis machine out of aluminum and it is about 2' x 2' with a gantry.
I am still working out the hold down mechanism. You need something strong and delicate at the same time. Wow, what a design constraint.

Tripacer

[fweinrebe]

I am currently building a CNC router and am researching the controller for the stepper motors. I have been looking at the kits on hobbycnc.com and was wondering if anyone has used these before. If so how easy are they to put together, and ultimately how good are they in use.

thanks
kane

I am also using the HobbyCNC board and is very happy with it. The kit's soldering instructions make it very easy to assemble.

[jameshock]

Do you have installed driver to your computer? What kind of interface use: serial, parallel or USB?
Do you have a manual, description, etc. where I can snoop at?
And the plans to build the rest of the thing?
Sounds interesting.

[Matti V]

Easy start have buy board tb6560 ebay about 20 euro or dollar. or if have yet dealextreme(cheapen some parts but all same), and can use ready MAX 3,5 A stepper motors.
one other board have cheap too main board only 13 euro/dollar but need stepper motor drivers too but good if use biggest motor etc up to 3,5A can orden each axis own size motor driver and i have X,Y,Z 5A driver and lathe A axis 7A driver board, and thats main board can adding plug and play method 7 segment display 20 euro each axis too and hand control 13euro too.
all i has orden at ebay buy now method :) no bids.
why make itself main board then cheapen found ready board at ebay ?

[Westozy]

I ditched the Toshiba 6560 card about six months ago due to too many step errors at higher feed rates. I've switched to the 48 volt G540 Geckodrive and my machine is twice as quick now, highly recommended! I fitted the GeckoDrive and 48V power supply into the same enclosure, it has the socket for my Kress spindle and turns it off after the cycle completes.
8706
8707
8708
Cheers Gwyn

[riche543]

G540 Its the only way to go mines been running for 2 years or so without missing a beat , worth it.

Cheers

[Matti V]

gecko have good but wery expensive first cnc builder. and other too, too expensive no can buy newer :( ower 150 euro/axis at finland :(