Best board for CNC
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Hi,
I am in the process of building a cnc router and looking for a control board.
It will initially have 3-axis, and 2 Y motors, so initially 4 in total all using separate drivers.
I might want to add a 4th axis later and also a speed controlled spindle to replace the router.
I would like provision for limit switches etcetera.
I have ethernet close to hand so do not need wifi.
I assume that I would need the small breakout board but which main board would be suitable or best? -
What current to you need for the steppers?
Only 1.6A, but otherwise a good fit https://www.duet3d.com/Duet2Maestro i think.
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@Andme said in Best board for CNC:
I assume that I would need the small breakout board but which main board would be suitable or best?
I doubt you will need a breakout board. Duets have plenty of connectors, drivers, etc. If you meant "Expansion board" (more drivers), that is possible, but from what you describe, I doubt you'll need that either.
Two main considerations:
- Count stepper drivers and inputs, stack that up against the Maestro, Duet 2 Ethernet, or Duet 3 to match.
- Current needed on the steppers at 24V. Each board up that chain has more current capability in the built in drivers. Keep in mind that you probably want to run the steppers you pick at 80 to 90% of their rated current.
Delta / Kossel printer fanatic
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@bearer Current not important as I have external drivers. Just want to make sure that I am not short of anything else.
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AH, external drivers! The Duets are very oriented around their built in drivers. I would seriously consider a Duet 2 Ether, which has an expansion connector that brings out step/dir pins for 5 drivers (and there is a way to do a sixth, if you really need it).
By far the easiest way to wire/configure for externals.
Delta / Kossel printer fanatic
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@Danal I am not worried about the current as I have external drivers, just that I can drive 4/5 motors and will not be short on features. The extra board I mentioned was this one https://e3d-online.com/duet-expansion-header-breakout-board , a breakout not expansion board, appears to have buffered outputs. Only just noticed it doesn't look like it will fit the Maestro as there is no connector for it.
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@Danal sorry posts crossed.
Just a pity there are no options without onboard drivers. -
@Andme said in Best board for CNC:
@bearer Current not important as I have external drivers. Just want to make sure that I am not short of anything else.
wasn't quite sure if thats what you meant by separate drivers
@Andme said in Best board for CNC:
Just a pity there are no options without onboard drivers.
not yet, but see this for future duet 3 options https://forum.duet3d.com/post/150674
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@bearer Looks interesting, but when I wonder?
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In another post recently, Dave said the first proto runs of D3 external driver expansion boards are delayed by Pandemic. So, soon, in relative terms... with obviously some lack of control over exactly when.
