This project has a number of steps - I'll divide it into sections so you don't get overloaded!!
Ever since I had my first machine shop in the 80's (Sheldon 10x36) I've had the bug to build or get an Electronic Lead Screw. Back then the tech was so "low" that I couldn't begin to afford or think of it. In 2012 I became aware of the Arduino and mcu's in general, and began tinkering... and the dream of my "Digital Gear Box" of the '80's came to life again!
Back then all I could think about was using a digital control to allow setting of threading pitches to make single-pointing screws much easier. The Sheldon DID have a QC Gear box for threading - but I thought "electronic" would be so much better (and way cooler!).
As time went by - other simpler projects that took up the time. Not to mention working out the math for the spindle-to-leadscrew math took a bit - and then I struggled on how to actually get the steppers to run in relation to the spindle and follow it's speed - a some ratio.
Searching round the net I came across a very interesting design from (!) 2000! A link to is here: ELS Circa 2000
This is a VERY interesting design and uses discrete logic. Def a file worth putting in your FYI archive. Will def give you some
So anyway - the beat went on. Then last year I discovered the ELS3 from Rocketronics in Germany. After surfing the site I became more and more excited - that HERE was my "dream ELS" - done and ready to make chips (almost)!
I did not want to do the usual motor install where it sticks out front on the X axis and on the left side of Z. Right around this time I found Wade'O Design's web site and saw how he hung his X-axis motor off the back! Very elegant - but took some DOING in the LMS-3536
Here are some pix of the lathe with the ELS installed. Nothing seen on the X-Axis, and you can just see the X-Axis motor under the gear cover & control panel.
Apron view - no stepper showing!
Ever since I had my first machine shop in the 80's (Sheldon 10x36) I've had the bug to build or get an Electronic Lead Screw. Back then the tech was so "low" that I couldn't begin to afford or think of it. In 2012 I became aware of the Arduino and mcu's in general, and began tinkering... and the dream of my "Digital Gear Box" of the '80's came to life again!
Back then all I could think about was using a digital control to allow setting of threading pitches to make single-pointing screws much easier. The Sheldon DID have a QC Gear box for threading - but I thought "electronic" would be so much better (and way cooler!).
As time went by - other simpler projects that took up the time. Not to mention working out the math for the spindle-to-leadscrew math took a bit - and then I struggled on how to actually get the steppers to run in relation to the spindle and follow it's speed - a some ratio.
Searching round the net I came across a very interesting design from (!) 2000! A link to is here: ELS Circa 2000
This is a VERY interesting design and uses discrete logic. Def a file worth putting in your FYI archive. Will def give you some
So anyway - the beat went on. Then last year I discovered the ELS3 from Rocketronics in Germany. After surfing the site I became more and more excited - that HERE was my "dream ELS" - done and ready to make chips (almost)!
I did not want to do the usual motor install where it sticks out front on the X axis and on the left side of Z. Right around this time I found Wade'O Design's web site and saw how he hung his X-axis motor off the back! Very elegant - but took some DOING in the LMS-3536
Here are some pix of the lathe with the ELS installed. Nothing seen on the X-Axis, and you can just see the X-Axis motor under the gear cover & control panel.
Apron view - no stepper showing!
Last edited: