Reading up in-depth more about Arduinos, CNC’s and ‘stuff’, I’ve found a superb product called TinyG
Reading further on the Synthetos website about the TinyG, I discovered a forked branch of the code that is called G2. It’s basically a TinyG Arm port that uses their G-Shield, which at the time of writing is, unfortunately sold out.
I’ve noted that the G Shield uses TI’s DRV8825 stepper drivers
Whilst Googling those parts, I discovered – This website that basically suggests that they’re pin compatible with the A4988 used in those cheap drivers I picked up. Main advantage of the G-Shield device is that it can do 1/32th of a microstep, so much finer resolution for the CNC. Given that i’ve trouble locating the spindle within roughly the 30×20 area of the CNC without smashing into the limits, I think i’ll manage with 1/16th for now
Oh, the picture.
The V2 sounded rather good, so, I picked up an Arduino Due also, my favourite cheap chinese webstore had a voucher for 10% off so I bagged this for just over $23 AUD
Grand total for my new Shield is now $44.59. and I have the option of standrd TinyG GRBL, or G2
I think i’m going to spend more time buggering about making the thing cut than actually cutting anything…..Still have the software to go yet
Finally, why I haven’t bought a Syntheos product.
I can see that the TinyG V8 board has been out a little while now, there’s headway being made to V9, even some reports of them out for testing. I’m on the wall right now and really happy learning, tinkering. i’ll be jumping and buying a V9 when it’s released :-). V8 is a very well reviewed product so I can’t wait to see what V9 has to offer.
For those of you less into the electronics and general tinkering – highly recommend to get a V8, it’s almost plug and play with these cheap, chinese CNC’s
Bleugh.Biz Blog Thingy 
Hello fellow Aussie!
Looks like we have both started working on these Chinese CNC’s at about the same time and come across the same problems lol. I went the TinyG V8 route, wired up NC limits (independent min and max), got the TinyG wifi connected and I’m in the process of getting spindle control and speed control in software (almost done). Check out my page https://hackaday.io/johnny for documentation on my build.
Good luck with your build :).
Johnny.
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Thanks for the message, I was a Melbourne guy for a couple of years, moved to Sydney 7 years ago.
Thkmgs are delayed a little this end doing stuff with the CNC, parents are over for a few weeks. Hasnt stopped me buying larger steppers, curcular lighting thingy for the spindle to light the work. Have just discovered chillipepper and fusion360 now, couldnt believe how much software is involved .
Keep up the project blog, i discovered it on google a week or so ago during a regular search for 3020t and hacks. Have followed hackaday since it started all those years ago
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