single axis control

Hello group

I have 2 applications for single axis stepper control: one moving a cut-off stop, and the other moving a table holding a part being drilled, both in pre-determined increments, and with the need to store programs for numerous parts. Although either Mach or EMC could do this, it seems like cutting butter with a chainsaw. However, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of single axis controllers on the market, and I don't have the knowledge to brew up one with a microcontroller. Perhaps this could be an application for a PLC, but there seems to be a learning curve to program one (not G-code). Any suggestions?

TIA

Steve