lathe help

i have a general understanding of setting up machine with Linuxcnc. i help run the machine shop at a maker space.
they had a small pcb mill that i converted to using a arduino setup, so i can snag the linux pc for the lathe conversion ive started on.

one of the members gave me a 5 axis break out board to help with the project. the original break out board had built in drivers that were to small for the lathe steppers. and not enough inputs

its one of the basic parallel port board you see on amazon.
i understand how to connect the stepper drivers. i was going to link all the end stops/homes to one pin to save inputs.

the two things im confused about.

first are the encoders for the spindle. i know i need one with 1 slot and another with more slots so i can use the lathe for threading.
can i connect these two inputs to the unused limit switch pins?

second is how to turn the spindle on and off and control the speed with this board.
im converting a mini lathe 7x12 . i figure i need to buy some other stuff but kinda confused.

can i connect these two inputs to the unused limit switch pins?

Yes but you will need to connect at least 12V up to 24V at the connections near the blue relay if I remember it is the centre pair.
This is needed so that the input will work.
Re the encoder for threading 60 slots + index will work OK.

Thanks for the info .
I got the axis moving today .

Now only thing I need to figure out is how to control the spindle.

Andypugh
I understand that much . I need to figure out what todo with those signals on the machine side .

I understand my options on the break out board . I’m just confused At this point what I need todo with the mini lathe 7x12 , any thing else i need to buy etc .

What i need todo to the lathe speed controller to work with this bord.