5-axis CNC recommendation

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13 Sep 2025 12:44 #334920 by Jmp97
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Hello, everyone.  I'm new to this. I'm from Spain, and I can hardly find any information about LinuxCNC for 5-axis machining centres. Let me explain. I have a robust 3-axis desktop CNC, running on Arduino + CNCShield. I am designing and building a table to add A/B axes and make it 5-axis. What controller board do you recommend for using LinuxCNC? My knowledge is limited. The drivers for my motors with encoders have Step/Dir. If there is a post from someone who has built a 5-axis CNC using LinuxCNC, I would appreciate it. Thank you.

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13 Sep 2025 13:49 #334923 by unknown
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13 Sep 2025 15:35 #334928 by tommylight
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I would go with Mesa 7i95T as it can do 6 axis with 6 encoders and ethernet, all in one single board.
There are also other combos from Mesa that might end up costing less if you do not need encoders, like 7i96S.

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13 Sep 2025 16:02 #334931 by Jmp97
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Hello.

Thank you. Is that video option better than a Mesa 7i76E + Linux PC?

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13 Sep 2025 16:06 #334935 by Jmp97
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Thank you. My motors have encoders, but I don't know if that's enough to avoid needing encoders on the board.

I'm looking for a combination that is easy to install and not too expensive.

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13 Sep 2025 16:11 #334937 by tommylight
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I forgot to mention, i do not like RPI for machine control, at all, but i do understand why others like it and use it, but the thing i can not justify is the price, for the same price you can get a used Lenovo laptop with touch screen even, but i can not advise getting laptops as they might end up not having good latency. I have probably 6 or 7 laptops like that in daily use without issues, but i am sure some might not be good.

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13 Sep 2025 19:02 #334940 by Jmp97
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Perfect. So I use a laptop with Linux for that. Now I have one with Windows. I think Linux could be installed while keeping the current OS (I don't know if there's anything I need to know “in advance”).

My motor drivers are CL57T with Nema24 coded motors. I'm looking to assemble this driver and motor with the 7i96S board.

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13 Sep 2025 20:01 #334943 by tommylight
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You can test the laptop without installing anything, download the ISO from the downloads page, write it to USB, use that USB to boot the laptop from it (see BIOS settings for booting from USB for your laptop on google), then run latency test from the main menu while browsing youtube.

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13 Sep 2025 22:51 #334949 by unknown
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RPi5 works great, add a Nvme drive and boot times are about 10 seconds to desktop.
Waveshare do a great enclosure with two boards, one gives you full size HDMI ports and the can either be Nvme interface or extra USB ports or extra ethernet, unfortunately it's a Realtek based device.
Now Tommy is comparing a second corporate PC with a brand new RPi5, what would be the difference in price compared to building a new PC ?
There are lots of choices out there. Best bet is browse the forums spend some time reading what others have used.
But for crying out loud do not use any form of Artificial Intelligence, a lot of humans haven't gained Actual Intelligence yet.
Now make sure you use quality PSUs, Genuine Meanwell units are a great option. Keep the mains AC on one side of your control cabinet, and the low voltage on the other. Endeavour to keep your wiring neat, it helps to keep noise down and helps with trouble shooting and on that topic, wire one section at a time and test. Once again trouble shooting is far easier.
Become familiar with the Mesa manuals, yes as they say RTFM, it helps.
But this is the most important bit of advice I can give, have fun. And take a break when you feel it's becoming a chore.
All the best
Rob
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14 Sep 2025 00:51 #334954 by tommylight
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But for crying out loud do not use any form of Artificial Intelligence, a lot of humans haven't gained Actual Intelligence yet.

Oh how much i laughed, and how painfully true that is.
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