# Controlling a milling machine motor

**URL:** <https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/controlling-a-milling-machine-motor/14817>\
**Category:** Uncategorized\
**Created:** [11 August 2022 04:02 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/controlling-a-milling-machine-motor/14817 "2022-08-11T04:02:45Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Bill209123](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Bill209123](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Bill209123)\
**Post date:** [11 August 2022 04:02 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/controlling-a-milling-machine-motor/14817/1 "2022-08-11T04:02:45Z")

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Hi! I am powering the x axis of a round column milling machine. I am wanting the milling table to go left to right, right to left and at a controlled slow and a fast traverse. I am aware that the stepper motor will allow me to control a precise stop position. I have built a 24v DC variable speed and direction control system for a 24v motor that I have but am wondering whether a stepper motor would be a better option. Could you please advise me whether a stepper motor would be a good idea over a conventional DC motor and what control method would be required please. Thanks! Bill.

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**Author:** ![James](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/james/32/4400_2.png) [@James](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/James)\
**Post date:** [11 August 2022 04:51 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/controlling-a-milling-machine-motor/14817/2 "2022-08-11T04:51:44Z")

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Hi Bill,

Generally in my experience, steppers are nicer to work with than plain DC motors, but require a bit more effort to drive.

Take a look at this video from This Old Tony explaining stepper motors in the context of CNC:

[![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/K0XfRPi_h2M/maxresdefault.jpg "Build Your Own CNC! (Part 1) - Hardware") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0XfRPi_h2M)

As for simple controls, a microcontroller like a [Raspberry Pi Pico](https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi-pico.html) can generate step and direction signals based on button presses or potentiometer inputs, and more (Perhaps an [adjustable stop you could put on a jig?](https://core-electronics.com.au/t-slot-photo-interrupter-with-1-meter-cable.html))

From there you’ll need a stepper driver powerful enough to drive the large stepper (NEMA 34 motors find their way onto CNC machines often), [these can draw around 6A depending on the manufacturer](https://www.omc-stepperonline.com/nema-34-stepper-motor), so make sure your stepper driver can handle that. [This is the largest one we have to my knowledge](https://core-electronics.com.au/tb6600-stepper-motor-driver.html), so if you know a smaller motor would meet your torque requirements, that might be an idea.

Are you driving the axis directly? or through some reduction?

Could you send a photo of your current setup so we can take a look at what you’re trying to replace?

-James