So, this past weekend I added this guy to my shop

Attachment 262030Attachment 262032

I already have a Sherline lathe and mill so I knew that I was coming out on the good end of the deal even if, as I suspected, the electronics were shot. So now I need to put together a new electronics package for this guy to get it running again.

What I am planning at the moment is something like

Arduino Uno $33 https://www.inventables.com/technolo...o-uno#25063-02
Gshield driver $50 https://www.inventables.com/technolo...hield#25368-03
24v power supply $35
2xStepper Motors with dual shafts similar to these $50-70 https://www.inventables.com/technolo...-motor-nema-23 (possibly a third if the spindle can be turned by one also (there is definitely a second belt going to the spindle but I haven't taken the case apart for a better look yet)
and whatever odds and ends I need to put it all together.

So that would be $200+- for the electronics unless I'm missing something.

then I'd need to think about software to run it. This is where I run into problems as I have no idea what I should be thinking about here.

Any comments? Additions? Recommendations?

This is my first foray into cnc and I'd like it to be a good experience.