I have wanted to do CNC for a while so it is easier to FAB up parts, so decided to make that my winter project to convert my Grizzly mill. I am going to use Linux CNC, which is open source and will run on old PC. I will use stepper motors, because they are inexpensive. It looks like I will have to fabricate the stepper mounts, so would have been nice to have CNC for that, but I will manage. I am not sure about how to size the stepper motors.
- Thread starter David G
- Start date
Janicholson
Well-known Member
Gecko Drives are a great source for servo drives (I do not recommend steppers as they do not know where they are (do not have a numeric zero and can get lost under load) Servos are smart and have resolvers internally to keep track of their location. Gear motors with 150 to 200 inch pounds of torque can drive the screws. The Z axis needs to have a counter weight or spring to reduce Z positive force (motor Load). Jim
Steve@Advance
Well-known Member
I suspect that mill has acme thread lead screws and split nuts. You'll probably need to convert them to ball screw type to get any kind of accuracy.
I found this website, refers to 6 amp drives for the servos. That should give a ballpark on the size stepper motors needed.
Sounds like quite a project! Keep us posted!
CNC Conversion
I found this website, refers to 6 amp drives for the servos. That should give a ballpark on the size stepper motors needed.
Sounds like quite a project! Keep us posted!
CNC Conversion
Andy Martin
Well-known Member
Do steppers and DRO work together? I thought that also eliminates the need for ball screws.
Andy Martin
Well-known Member
CNC can be fun, but is it really worth it if you aren't making a lot of identical parts?
Do you have a Digital Read Out on your mill? They are really handy on a mill.
Do you have a Digital Read Out on your mill? They are really handy on a mill.
+87 Got an Accurite Pro DRO on my Bport, and for 'one of' parts, that's all you need. Just twirl the handles and watch the readout; easy. To got thru all the nonsense to design and test the same on a CNC for one part, no way.
It's only in a production deal can you justify the expense and effort of CNC, of which there is a LOT. But it just sounds kooler to have a CNC I guess....
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