I'm currently working on a mini cnc, I have most of the items ready to assemble, ballscrews, bearings, aluminium framework, etc. Just need to machine some of the components, then assembly will follow soon after, but need to sort out the electronics.
As a fan of the arduino I would really would like the arduino to be the main star of the show, and be able to use the USB port would also be nice
I stumbled on this link (see below) I'm surprised there are no posts regarding this shield on this forum yet
Seems like a really simple and clean approach, even though I know the lack of software is the downside, maybe someone has some info on the software I can use.
Am I going down the wrong path by using the Arduino?
Ooh that looks interesting- cant work out which driver chips its using but I would definitely add heatsinks onthem and forced air cooling. Shame its only 3 axis BTW otherwise it would be a great option for Repraps. Worth looking at RepRap design too as they have Arduino controller as one of the options.
We are using the TI drv8811 chips. They are way more powerful than they look. They can do 2.5 amps per winding and are happiest when running at 24 - 30 volts. They are power-pad chips that are connected to the copper on the top and the bottom of the board for heatsinking. Even so, if you want to run them that high you should fan cool them.