Hi all,
I had a few questions that hopefully someone can help me with. I'm looking to build a few single axis for lack of a better term CNC controllers to drive a small drill press built around micro die grinders. Basically the controller would take a few basic settings, such as feedrate and total travel, and then a cycle button would allow it to repeatedly drill to the same depth at the same feedrate. The spindle, as it were, is controlled manually.
I've built prototypes interfaced to a PC, so I'm familiar with much of what's involved hardware-wise, and the software side is no problem for me whatever language ends up being used, but where I find myself seriously lacking is in what platform to use as the stand-alone controller. I've never developed with Arduino, and have VERY limited experience with some other platforms (PIC, AVR), and none of the modern gear.
What I'd like is a box with an LCD, some input system (it could be a keypad to enter specific values, or just a couple buttons to cycle up and down in values, as well as a submit/next button and a cycle start button), and output to drive either a stepper or servo. The drive motor would be too large to drive from most of the Arduino controllers I'm guessing, so I may need to use a separate driver that's fed a signal from the controller. Motor feedback would be a plus but not a necessity. Also, there'd need to be an input for a positional switch so the unit can zero itself after each cycle.
Anyway, here are my questions:
Would Arduino be a good platform for this? If so, which board/version would you recommend?
If not, what platform would you recommend? I have no problem buying separate programmers, or even DIYing my own boards to house a more suitable chip, if need be. But an off-the-shelf solution would be great.
Any specific pitfalls/concerns I should note?
TIA for your help
