Re: I would like a opinion on setting up a complete small CNC system.

Hi Jeff
Alan has given some great advice and great links! I also have a
sherline 5410 model. I am using the sherline motor mounts and they
are excellent quality and beautiful! I am using Sanyo Denki bipolar
double shaft 180 oz motors and have not had a problem moving any of
the axis. I plan to added some springs to help with the z axis but
this is personal preference. I am using Dans Camtronics 3 axis 2 amp
board, Yeagers Ace converter (for DXF to G-code) and Yeager CNCpro
(to drive the machine) with Excellent results! The machine is very
quick and smooth. You will also need a transformer 24v 10amp (12-0-12)
(here is another link www.mpja.com), a 15,000 uF capacitor, a 400v 25
amp bridge, and a cooling fan. I am using drafix cad for the drawings
right now and playing around with turbocad. This should get you
started. I have increased my voltage to 24 volts to the Camtronics
board (you will need to make larger heat sinks and HAVE a cooling
fan). With this setup (and reading off of the CNCpro screen) you can
expect around 30-35in/min (855ish mm/min) movement.
take care
taus


--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@egroups.com, Alan Marconett KM6VV <KM6VV@a...>
wrote:

> Hi Jeff,
>
> You've got it!
>
> 1. The Sherline CNC motor mounts are the BEST I've seen.
>
> 2. Sherline or Sanyo Densi Stepper Motors (or Camtronics).
> http://www.mendonet.com/steppers/nema23.htm
> http://www.seanet.com/~dmauch/
>
> 3. Flashcut controller software & SigGen box,
> http://www.flashcutcnc.com/index.html
> -OR-
> 3. CNCpro controller software.
> http://www.yeagerautomation.com/
>
> 4. Camtronics for driver hardware. (FlashCut has also)
>
> 5. Power supply (various).
>
> 6. Vector CAD/CAM software.
> http://www.imsrv.com/
>
> 7. Most Important! Stay tuned to this GREAT list!
>
> That's it!
> Alan KM6VV
>
>
> Jeff Golias wrote:
> >
> > Hi Alan,
> >
> > So what you're saying is...
> > Sherline mill w/ CNC mounts
> > ??? motor / driver hardware (Flashcut or ???)
> > CNCPro driver software
> > Vector CAD/CAM software
> >
> > Is this correct???
> >
> > --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@egroups.com, Alan Marconett KM6VV

<KM6VV@a...>

> > wrote:
> > > Jeff,
> > >
> > > If you can swing the FlashCut, I sure would! Drivers are

separate

> > from
> > > the signal generator. CNCpro would also be a good choice. Then
> > you'll
> > > need a CAM program. I'd recommend Vector CAD/CAM. Do the job
> > there,
> > > export g-code file for FlashCut or CNCpro, and away you go!

You can

> > > import .DXF files into Vector (or similar, like BobCad), from
> > AutoCAD if
> > > you want. But you cut out a step using a CAD/CAM package to

start

> > with.
> > >
> > > I'd LOVE to get a look at FlashCut hardware for about a week!
> > >
> > > From AutoCad to Gcode, you could use the Ace converter that

Yeager

> > > (CNCpro) has.
> > >
> > > Alan KM6VV
> > >
> > > Hope I've helped
> > >
> > >
> > > Jeff Golias wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi all,
> > > >
> > > > This is my first post here. I've read MOST of the archived

posts

> > and
> > > > wanted to solicit some specific opinions from those who have

been

> > > > doing small home/hobby CNC work for a while.
> > > >
> > > > Here's the scoop. I am just starting to put together a setup

and

> > > > don't have a lot of knowlege or any experience w/ milling or

CNC.

> > > > But, I do have a design in my head and want to go in

to "limited

> > > > (<100 pcs)" production to test it's market appeal. The parts

I've

> > > > imagined are no bigger than 2"hx2"wx4"l. I've, pretty much,
> > decided
> > > > to go with a Sherline CNC setup. I'm familiar with the mods

that

> > > > have been discussed on the list. I want a turnkey CNC package

to

> > fit
> > > > on the Sherline that is known to work. I will need a CAD and

CAM

> > > > package. I have AutoCAD 14 already and have an oppourtunity

to

> > buy
> > > > Mechanical Desktop and/or Inventor 3 for a very reasonable
> > price. I
> > > > have, almost, no experience with any CAD software.
> > > >
> > > > So the questions are...
> > > > 1. What CNC package to go with. (I'm not really all that
> > impressed
> > > > by the FlashCut system because of its closed architecture)
> > > > 2. Does anyone have experience w/ Mech. Desktop or Inventor

3?

> > If
> > > > so, what do you think?
> > > > 3. I've been looking at CNCpro and like it's approach. Is

this a

> > > > good choice, and if so, what converter do I need to move the
> > design
> > > > from the AutoDesk software to CNCpro. Will I have problems

in 2D

> > to
> > > > 3D translation.
> > > >
> > > > I thank you for your thoughtful opinions and time.
> >
> > Welcome to CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@e...,an unmoderated list for the

discussion of shop built systems, for CAD, CAM, EDM, and DRO.

> >
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