RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Newbie questions

Peter - I have the same size mill (Grizzly G1004)and am in the process of
converting it. If I was to start down the path today my direction would be
and may still be:

1. Use the Geckodrive G340 servo drive - $129 ea. See www.geckodrive.com for
info. It is basically an electronics package that runs a dc brush motor with
encoder with stepper motor inputs.
2. Dan Mauch at Camtronics http://www.seanet.com/~dmauch/ has dc motors with
encoders for $100 ea.
3. Gates Powergrip GT 3 mm pitch timing belts with about a 2:1 reduction.
4. The software that emits stepper pulses is availible. Look for discussions
of EMC (free) to CNCpro, Master5, etc.

I have adaptor designs ( cad layouts, not perfect, correct detail drawings )
for the x and y axis that I would be happy to share, and the z axis is in
process ( I know how I intend to accomplish it, but don't know if my
intentions will work)

Andy Olney

-----Original Message-----
From: The Sheppard Residence [mailto:peter@...]
Sent: Saturday, February 03, 2001 6:40 AM
To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Newbie questions


Hello,

I am new to this list, but I do have a presence on Livesteamers and
Modeleng-list.

I have a Warco A1S mill and a desire to look at ways of automating the
process of milling.

I have an amount of computer knowledge and a rough idea of CAM. (Although I
know that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing :-)

My son is into computers into a big way and I am sure he can help with the
programming. I have hardware/electronic knowledge.

I am a model engineer, so finding ways of attaching bits and pieces to my
mill "shouldn't" be too difficult.

To start with, some very simple questions.

What sort of size stepper motors will I need to drive the axes? As well as
physical size, I'm interested in the power or current/phase. The A1S is a
large mill (total weight of approx. 1/2 ton) but I won't be taking large or
heavy cuts.

What's the difference between a 4 wire and 6 wire (apart from 2 wires?)

What resolution of control (in degrees?) do I need?

What circuits do I need to drive these motors. I have seen information
about driving steppers from the parallel port and "DANCAD?" software.

Sorry for all the questions.

Cheers

Peter




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