How do I control a CNC where multiple steppers motors are used to control each axis
I love the compact low profile of the H Board CNC design (see link). However, I'm unclear how to configure GRBL to control such a configuration since each axis is no longer controlled by a single motor. Can GRBL be configured to support this? Is there another FW solution? htttps://grabcad.com/library/cnc-3axis-hboard-cnc-plotter-1
Thanks -Mike
1 Answer
I've not looked at the HBoard plotter in detail, but on the surface does look like it could have a single motor each for the X and Y axes. Regarding your questions, this is a topic on which you can rapidly get out into some fairly tall weeds.
First it would be best to decide whether you want to buy a machine or build one. If the former, the controller may well come with it. If the latter, then there are a number of GRBL, or compatible options (Openbuilds is a good resource). Tinyg is also a low cost option (see Synthetos or Adafruit).
Many such controllers will have at least one axis where two outputs are available (this is fairly typically used on the Y axis), and potentially configurable for 2 axes to have two outputs.
Some of the design options can be narrowed down based on what you want to do with the machine, i.e. Plotting vs A4 paper/card cutting vs carving out intricate smallish 3D metal geometries vs routing large sheets of plywood, etc.
