If you want to build a CNC router, laser cutter, or other setup, you’ll generally need some sort of gantry system, stepper motors, a control board, and… wait for it… a computer with a parallel port. Yes, that’s right, many of the CNC controllers used today (including my own actually) still use a parallel port for control. And if you’re thinking you can just use a USB to parallel port adapter, I’ve found from personal experience that that doesn’t really work (though a PCI parallel port does).
The other popular option is a grbl-based solution, which runs on an Arduino and needs to be assembled from a variety of components. Tindie seller “Class B Project” thought there needed to be a better way to do this, and created an all-in-one solution with his motionPro 3+1 axis CNC controller.
This device can control up to four stepper motors, giving you the ability for X, Y, Z, and even a fourth axis if your setup is that advanced. Alternatively, you can clone one of these axes in order to control two motors, which can be useful in some situations. The board communicates via USB and a Bluetooth module can even be added for wireless control!
You can see this setup controlling a CNC laser cutter/engraver in the video below:
