I have made the decision to CNC it!

OakRidgeGuy

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I finally got it off of the reloading table, it was in the way. The table that it is on now will have to be tied to the wall, but in time, I want to take the wood top off and replace it with a thick sheet of aluminum (the local scrap yard has lots of it).

After discussing this with Steve, I believe that I will go with the CNCfusion kit for this machine, which is 625.00.
Also the next door neighbor is moving out, got some needed extra storage space.
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As for motors and other stuff needed for the set up, we believe that Nema23's will be worthy of this project. Also, I will have to do a fourth axis in order to do some of the things that I am wanting to make.

My main issue right now is the computer. If you have read, my donor computer is a Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit OS computer. The challange right now is to get the ball rolling to get the computer compatable to running Mach3 and the other program that Steve is using. I am leaning that way, only because as Steve says that it is intuitively easy to draw up the part. And I am worthless when it comes to drawing something. Ha sometimes I feel that I can not get a stick figure right!!

Any and all input in these matters are greatly appreciated. As to when I will start working on the mill to convert it, will depend on how soon I can get the funds to do it will. Right now, the funding department says I have about 300 bucks that can go towards the project. (Oh and I don't have a wife or G/F so that is not the funding dept. It is actually how much I really have).

Doc

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My third attempt at typeing and posting this.

My daughter is in school out in Cali, I have found that she can get the Windows 7 Pro upgrade for 64 bucks. I am going to have to upgrade the computer to the Pro version so that I can run Virtual XP mode.

As for the 4th axis, I am not sure yet how I would like to go on that. I have looked at the Sherline rotary table that is already set up for CNC, the price is 395.00. Most of the stuff that I will be working with is .375 dia. I would like to use collets instead of a chuck.

What are your thoughts? Any ideas on rotary tables?

Randy
 
I would say, don't bite off too much at once. Get the main machine done and tuned in, and get used to the software, then you can decide if you need a 4th axis, and address it at that point.

That will be a nice little machine to convert. Just make sure you get screws that are long enough. The LMS mills have more travel than most X2 clones, so the "normal" screws won't fit. I think CNCFusion has an option for the longer screws, but wanted to give you a heads up.
 
that will be a sweet conversion. looking forward to seeing the progress and results thereafter
 
..........Right now, the funding department says I have about 300 bucks that can go towards the project. (Oh and I don't have a wife or G/F so that is not the funding dept. It is actually how much I really have).

Doc

Maybe they're not the funding dept, but they're not an expense either. ;)
 
As for the 4th axis, I am not sure yet how I would like to go on that. I have looked at the Sherline rotary table that is already set up for CNC, the price is 395.00. Most of the stuff that I will be working with is .375 dia. I would like to use collets instead of a chuck.

What are your thoughts? Any ideas on rotary tables?

Randy

You can mount a stepper to the rotab in much the same way as you can to the x & y on the table or the Z on the column, and you can mount an ER collet chuck to the rotab just as you can a regular three or four jaw.


M
 
My daughter is in school out in Cali, I have found that she can get the Windows 7 Pro upgrade for 64 bucks. I am going to have to upgrade the computer to the Pro version so that I can run Virtual XP mode.
Randy

My final thought, you may be able to get a used desktop with XP installed for that $64 or even less.


M
 
DMS,

Not trying to bite off to much at one time, but I do like to keep looking down the line so to speak, so that when it is time to jump, the planning has already been done and there would be no question as to what I want to do or get.

Yes I agree, it should be quite once it is done.

As for the screws, yes CNCFusion indeed have the longer screws already set up for the longer axis in the X & Y directions. Which is what I am going to do and I don't believe that I will use the LoveJoy couplers either.

7HC

I had not considered the ER series of collets, that is something to consider.
 
when you get ready to purchase motors, controllers and power supplies let me know if you would like some help shopping, there are a lot of kits that sound like great deals but are just big motors with nothing capable of driving them properly. and as far as the 4th axis, it is cheaper to buy a 4 axis kit than buy the parts later to add it on. if there is any chance you will add it later i'd plan it up front.
steve
 
Oh No, a thread about going CNC.

What has the world come to?

Just joking, congratulations.
 
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