Stepper control w/o a computer?????

Well I'm on my way to learning all this CNC stuff.
I would like to convert my Drill/Mill to CNC. I read as much as I can
on the subject. This group is great.
I would like to know is there a way to control stepper motors with
out useing a computer. ie a box that would send step/dir signals to
the motor? Waht I'm thinking is to get the steppers and build a power
feed setup first then add the computer control later.
That way I canget the bugs out of the mechs then move on to the
computer side. Does any one have any suggestions on stepper motor
size. I was thinking of stepper motor that have at least 125in/oz of
torqe. would this be enough of do I need to look at bigger?


thanks


Fozzyber