Here"s what is needed for cnc

[sncf141r]

Thanks Tim You are so kind .Me and coumpter do not get along well so it would be great to be able to try them frist .Thanks again Dale

I went the EMC2 route; you can download and burn a CD that allows you to boot it and run from the CD, so you can see how the whole system looks.

That's what I did at first.

Of course, you can't save any configurations to the CD. You can change your computer from the CD so that you create the Linux EMC2 system; and I *think* you can set it up so that you can boot into Windows, or into Linux, but verify that. (I don't have windows anymore, and I don't miss it)

I found the "stepconf" tool to be great for configuring my system.

Linux is different than windows, but, it's like driving a GM or a Ford; in reality, ignoring the fluff, they both work.



JohnS.

 

[ninefinger]

I've built my own CNC mill, a conversion of the large RF45 mill (MD-001) available from www.machinetoolswarehouse.com
It was not an easy path, and in reality is still ongoing as these are projects unto themselves and have many options that can be added along the way.
Some of the things I've not seen mentioned but end up getting done: Limit switches and home switches, oiling system, coolant/cutting fluid system, belt / motor guards, way covers, quick release draw bars, enclosures, etc.

For a good flavor of what many others have done check out the cnc zone benchtop machine forum - http://www.cnczone.com/forums/benchtop_machines/ lots of good conversions there.

I've done up a thread on my build there - http://www.cnczone.com/forums/benchtop_machines/93900-ih_clone_cnc_build.html
I hope it gives a flavor of whats involved...

I use EMC2 LinuxCNC (new name same software) for the machine control software - works great but beware and read the minimum machine specs carefully - I had always assumed that Linux was stripped down compared to windows and would work on anything...guess who was wrong (ie a free PC might not cut it.)

now that I'm 90% done my mill (Feb 2010 to Oct 2011) I can use it for my real dream - a 9 cylinder P&W Wasp Jr (R-985) from the Bob Roach drawings / Vernal Eng. castings - thread to start soon on that.

Mike

 

[///]

I went the EMC2 route; you can download and burn a CD that allows you to boot it and run from the CD
.....
Of course, you can't save any configurations to the CD.

Interesting, might have to give that a go.
I wonder if it is possible to copy the image to a USB thumbdrive instead of the CD, allowing to save settings etc.

 

[woodnut]

Hi All

Here are a couple of links that I found while researching my CNC machine. Mine is a DIY build for wood working but the steppers/controls and software are the same.

http://www.probotix.com/ You can buy parts or complete "kits". Steppers, controllers, breakout boards, power supplies, etc...

http://www.dumpstercnc.com/ Anti blacklash nuts, couplers, thread clamps, Flange nuts in ACME thread forms.

http://www.vxb.com/ Ball bearings, liner motion systems.

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRHM Similar to McMaster.com (McMaster wouldn't ship to Canada, said it was to much paper work ???).

http://www.motiontek.ca/index.html Located in Ontario, can buy parts or complete "kits". Steppers, controllers, breakout boards, power supplies, Mach3, etc...

https://snbinc.ca/site/ Another Ontario suppler, lead screws and nuts in ACME thread.

http://solsylva.com/cnc/purchase_rack.shtml Where I got my plans for my CNC Machine "25x25 dual leadscrew"

http://www.keystonethreaded.com/index.html lead screws and other ACME thread supplies. I bought my lead screws here, Jason was very helpful and shipping to Canada was fast!

Hope this helps someone.

John

 

[steamboatmodel]

Though not a requirement some folk, schools and labs use machinable wax to prove or test cnc programs . while letting the computer run though it paces and watching the tool path on screen or cutting air can be useful , machinable wax has some advantages. It is soft enough to give and distort should a crash occur it does not wear tooling like metal and it is hard enough to take and keep a machined shape. Supply houses that serve the jewelry industry is one source . MSC and enco stock some and lat but not least you can formulate your own and cast to any desired shape ( within the laws of physics and rules of casting)
http://igor.chudov.com/manuals/Homemade-Machinable-Wax.pdf
Tin

When I was first learning we used Styrofoam held down with double sided tape. It was a lot cheaper than the wax. At one place where we were doing flat instrument panels we use Plexiglas.
Regards,
Gerald.

 

[SPiN Racing]

I Noticed a large portion of the information I have found regarding CNC conversions, (Nearly all of it) is related to benchtop mills.

I have a Bridgeport Series 1 (2 head (non variable speed)) and wanted to convert it to CNC. The issue I run into.. the vast majority of everything I have seen is related to smaller items. And when I have priced converting it with a pre-made kit from a variety of places they have all ben in the 15-30K range. Which is silly considering you can buy a MUCH more capable used milling station for that off Fleabay.

What Im looking for mostly.. is a place that sells conversion parts, and or people who have done the conversion with appropriate ballscrews, and motor and driver sizes. I dont want to be guessing at motor sizes, and end up smoking motors, or having them stall because they are overloaded with simple movements.

There is a world of great information in the links above, as well as various sites.. but they all appear to be oriented to smaller machines.

Thanks!
Scott (spinracing)

 

[Tin Falcon]

I dont want to be guessing at motor sizes, and end up smoking motors, or having them stall because they are overloaded with simple movements.

Do not be dismayed it can be done most of the sources I listed have what is needed for a larger mill. Watch e_ bay there has been at least one guy who posts here bought a cnc Bridgeport and sold off the cnc parts. The basics still apply do the math determine motor size select a gecko drive or other drive to meet your needs. there is science behind this but it is not rocket science.

Find out the weight of your mill table decide how fast you need to move it and do the math
Keiling has 1200 oz/in steppers for about $120 each a bit more than the little brothers but not too pricey.
http://www.kelinginc.net/NEMA34Motor.html
Coupled to these
http://www.geckodrive.com/g203v-p-34.html
Tin

 

[Tin Falcon]

While at cabin fever I noticed PMDX has a nice selection of cnc circuit boards and other acessoris for setting up a cnc machine.
http://www.pmdx.com/
Tin

 

[willburrrr2003]

Good morning all, I use EMC2 for my CNC'd mini-lathe and I must say that I love it! It is very versatile, and very powerful software! I haven't tried it yet as my monitor is down on my lathe, but if you use the EMC2 boot disk to try the software and you have a thumb drive...put it in the usb port after you have booted from the disk image. The software should mount the usb drive, allowing you to be able to save to it Then you should be able to save to it.

Regards,

Will R.

 

[mu38&Bg#]

Might add www.mesanet.com for those that want to do more complicated retrofits. They have boards for basic machines as well. I have purchased the 7i76 and 5i25 for my lathe.

 

[crob09]

It seems like more folks are interested in CNC as time goes on.
so here is quick list of what is needed for a cnc hobby machine
1) a computer to run the thing usually fairly modest capabilities needed depending on software.
a second hand PC will usually do. Lots of choice out there. pc choice will depend on software choice.
so $0- $1000 for a computer.

2)Software cnc software to operate the system
a) Mach 3 cnc http://www.machsupport.com/ windows based commercial software well supported a good value.$175 license lifetime support the lifetime of mach that is.
b)Turbo CNC http://www.dakeng.com/turbo.html DOS based shareware $60 license
c)EMC2 http://linuxcnc.org/ linux based public domain software.
Notice 3 choices three operating systems.
$0 to 175 for control software

3)You may also want CAD Computer aided drawing software such as
http://www.alibre.com/products/
A basic home version of Alibre CAD is about $ 100 more for the pro and advanced versions.
and Computer aided manufacturing software such as http://www.cambam.co.uk/
Cam BAM is $150 for the license and there is a try before you buy.

4)you will need a motion controller for the motors the G540 in a nice package gecko $300 it is what I have.
G 540


5)you will need a power supply to run the motors IIRC about $50 but will vary depening on type and how much voltage and amperage you need.

6) motors . most hobby machines use steppers but servo motors are another option.
stepper motors $ 0 if you can scrounge $25 -$50 each to buy more if you go top shelf.
Lots of options here http://www.kelinginc.net/ and here [url]http://soigeneris.com/default.aspx

[/url] and here. http://www.imsrv.com/
And please read the threads in this section on my builds.
7) motion control hardware.
ball screw for mills here http://www.roton.com/Mating_Components.aspx?family=7059321
$11 per foot for the screws and $25 each for the nuts

You will also need some sort of anti backlash coupling and or timing pulleys to connect the motors to the machine.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#shaft-couplings/=7prg4b
IIRC paid $70 to $100 per machine for collars couplings etc w spare spiders.

8)Plans here http://www.stirlingsteele.com/Index.html and here http://www.fignoggle.com/and here is a guy who has done cnc conversion to the max lots more info here http://www.hossmachine.info/ IIRC $50 per set for plans. On my little lathe no plans just winged it.
9) other sources for components motors Power supplies couplers etc etc.
http://www.homeshopcnc.com/ more cnc components
http://www.hobbycnc.com/ value priced kits for those that want to keep cost down and build there own PCB controllers.
Hobby cnc shows control board kits for $65 complete packages for 3 axis kit under $ 300 this has everything but the machine ,couplers ,and the computer that is if I read everything right.
and yet more options options
http://campbelldesigns.net/
http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/
http://www.pmdx.com/

Gecko drive has a FAQ sheet that will answer many more questions you may have. like what size motor or power supply you need.
http://www.geckodrive.com/faq.html

Stepper motor basics by Geckco drive
http://www.geckodrive.com/gecko/images/cms_files/Step%20Motor%20Basics%20Guide.pdf

Control of Stepping Motors
A Tutorial
by Douglas W. Jones
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA Department of Computer Science

http://www.divms.uiowa.edu/~jones/step/



And here is a free tutorial to help you learn G-code http://www.betatechnical.com/autonc.htm
there is also a complimentary program to calculate speeds feed angles etc. Free
sorry folks link is now gone replaced with a commercial portal

There are also many fun to have add-ons such as pendants, DRO scales, limit switches ,spindle sensor, coolant pumps enclosures, tool changer qc tooling, the list goes on.
I personalty used an off the shelf X box 360 controller as a pendant the driver is available from the Mach 3 web site not problem to install and has custom configuration.
For those who want to run Mach 3 from a lap top computer you will likely need a smooth stepper board $155 -$165 http://www.warp9td.com/ a little more for the new Ethernet card.

Bottom line is the cost of a CNC conversion can vary greatly depending on your choices, your scrounging abilities your electronics abilities and your machining abilities and experience. Realistically anywhere from about $200 if you are really creative to $3000. if you go all out.
10)And last but certainly not least a machine to convert.
the x2, x3 taig and Sherline mills and the Taig ,Sherline and 7x lathes are popular choices.

Normal disclaimers. Some of the listed companies I have dealt with. Others I have not. I have not had any bad experience with any of them. No affiliation etc.

Are you confused yet. Anyway hope this helps folks get started in cnc but please learn manually first you will be glad you did.
There is lots more out there. Experienced folks please feel free to add to the list. and thank you to Ron Ginger, Brian of Artsoft the makers of mach 3 and all the folks that have helped me in my journey to cnc in the home. Do your home work there are lots of choices.
Tin

There are some alternatives to this, you can also use a PLC or Micro Controller like Arduino in place of the Computer. You still need to program it and will probably use a computer to do so, but it is an alternative.
So here is another list of things you can use to run a home Mill, Lathe, or 3D printer.

1. A breakout board, this can interface with your computer via USB, DB25 or COM
2. Driver boards, you will need as many of these as you do motors, so if your mill is running three motors you need three driver boards.
3. Motors, you will need to determin holding force ect. But once you know what your looking for in a motor a driver for it is easy to find, most are only a few dollars.
4. A power supply, the supply must provide the proper Wattage, Amperage, and must not provide too high a Voltage.

A TB6560 driver can power larger stepper motors and something like a ULN2003 will supply smaller motors.

WHat "Tin" noted above is not correct, maybe just a little deep. Start small work your way up, it also helps if you have something to start from, for example you have a couple of motors you want to control, or a manual Mill you want to convert, use something like that as an Axiom and start answering questions as they popup. People arte always willing to help in these forums.

Cheers,

Rob

http://www.whatisacnc.com

 

[Tin Falcon]

WHat "Tin" noted above is not correct, maybe just a little deep

A typo Rob ?? I am assuming it should read
"What "Tin" noted above is correct,maybe just a little deep?"

You are correct rob there are many ways of getting started in cnc and many choices for hardware.
My approach was from the perspective of doing a cnc conversion on a Mill I then did a small lathe.
Sounds like your approach is to experiment with cnc first then move it to a machine.
One needs to keep goals in mind if the goal is to convert a machine to cnc for hobby use the general consensus it to stick with tried true like a g540 and known new motors.
But if the goal is to learn new alternative cnc stuff and you enjoy the electronics experimentation and the software experimentation then that is cool as well.
Tin

 

[crob09]

Yes a typo, it is supposed to read "not Incorrect"
I am sure other people reading would have caught that

 

[Tin Falcon]

This thread was started 2 years ago. I thank all of you who contributed to it. the initial goal for this thread was to give an overview and resource for those interested in a CNC retrofit. That goal was met.

This thread however did not give any good starting point for a cnc build and it gave no technical information to guide to choices to be made . It simply gave choices.
so in the interest of this board and in the interest of furthering cnc in this hobby I wrote a getting started in cnc thread. most of the info that was in this thread was included but more was added the goal has changed . In that light this thread is no longer sticky and has pretty much been superseded by the new one.
And the new one is now sticky and easy to find.
I see no need to lock this one in case anybody really wants to post here.
Thanks
Tin