Choice of Mesa cards for servo or stepper machine

Yes you have 5 axis with the 7I76 and lots more I/O

For closed loop step motor drives, direct encoder feedback to LinuxCNC is not easy
(because the drives do not have a encoder output and you would have to tap into the
encoder signal with all the associated signal integrity issues)
So typically this not worth the trouble.

The main use of step/dir with encoder feedback is for servo drives that do have encoder outputs
and have index signals to allow homing to index.

Thank you again PCW!

You are great even though you would have to change the photographer. joke!

You've helped me a lot about the decision to choose electronics.

Btw, does it make sense to put stronger motor on the Z axis (wood, plastic, maybe soft metals)?

Cheers!