3 axis cnc / Nema 23 - useful for 3d printer?

A while back I bought (from ebay) a 3 axis controller and 3 NEMA23 stepper motors.

After due consideration I've decided i'd much rather build myself a 3d printer.

Is there any way that I can use the bits I've already got, or do I need to get a 4 axis controller and a 4th stepper?
Or is it easier to start from scratch?

many thanks.

'Snout.

Since you can't print them I think you'll have issues finding parts designed for Nema 23 motors, you'd need at least an extra driver.
The common Reprap firmwares have issues with traditional drivers, because the pulses are too short.
You'd be pretty much on your own with wiring everything up, not that it'a all that difficult.

It's certainly doable, but if it's your first build you might be better off starting with a known good design and BOM.

here is a design i have built theat uses a nema 23 [www.youtube.com]