Nema17´s are lacking torque for confident cutting in “hard” materials as hardwood / aluminium.
Yes, you may get it to work but you’ll be prone to loose steps frequently => failed carves.
Nema23´s are much stronger, but don’t have more power than the stepper driver can supply, and the gshield is lacking in this department. Its particularly apparent on the Y-axis as one driver is running two steppers => each Y-stepper have 50% power vs X and Z.
For as little as $100 you can build a considerable more powerful controller, search “DIY controller”
Bill of materials, bare minimum:
- 1x Arduino UNO
- 4x TB6600 stepper drivers
- 24V PSU (might be ablel to salvage old PSU from the gshield)
=> Optionally - If you shop for new PSU go with 36V
This combination will be able to provide all the current each individual stepper desire (up to 4A per phase)
Or get a X-controller, which more or less equal the listed equipment above in a ready to use box.