RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re:Taig retrofit

> Query to Tim Goldsmith: Is your Shoptask fitted with the OEM acme
> screws or did you spring for the ball screws? If acme what is the
> lower end in-oz rating advisable for motors? The Shoptask factory
> CNC motors seem a little light at 150 to 180 in-oz. Thanks
> Steve

Actually it is Goldstein, but that is ok. Just don't call me late to dinner!

I am currently running with ball screws that I made up myself. You may want
to take a look at http://www.ktmarketing.com/CNC.html <a
href="http://www.ktmarketing.com/CNC.html">Click for my site</a> my site. I
have some info on my whole CNC journey with the Shoptask and making up the
ball screws.

I agree that the Shoptask stepper motors are not up to the task. They will
move the table, but it will not be very fast and can be stalled at normal
cutting speeds. I started with a set of 250 in/oz motors and the acme screws
and it was usable, but maximum feeds were pretty low. About 15 ipm if I
remember correctly. OK for cutting, but rapid were sure a drag. Cutting on
the lathe took twice as long as it should because the traverse back to take
the next cut took almost as long as the cut. I then put on the ball screws
and moved up to 550 in/oz motors. That worked out very well. I have now
moved to a set of Gecko G320 drives with one of the Camtronics servo motors
and 2 e-bay specials. It works tremendously.

So, based on this experience I would aim for some nice low inductance 350
in/oz motors as a minimum.

Tim
[Denver, CO]

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