Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Taig CNC mill - Bridgeport

davemucha@... wrote:

> Here in the Phila area, they go for $2,000 to $3,500.
>
> I am looking at a a Bridgeport with a DRO for $2,000
> now.
>
> Any Idea of how much the total/final cost will be to do
> a 3 axis CNC conversion ? If it's like anything else,
> the conversion will dwarf the cost of the mill.

It depends entirely on what you start with, and how far you
intend to go. If you get a BOSS machine with a fried controller
but otherwise in good condition, you don't have to touch the
mechanical side at all. If you start with a manual Bridgeport,
and replace the Acme screws with ballscrews, add servo
motors, servo amps and encoders, it can get very expensive.
It also depends on how you price your own time.

I did a conversion on an ancient manual Bridgeport, installing
axis drives with ballscrews from a PC board drilling machine.
I spent a lot of time making the brackets and adaptors, as the
parts were not anywhere like a bolt-in retrofit. But, you can get
the kits that make it a true bolt-in job.

I made my Z-axis conversion completely from scratch, and that
took even longer.

Jon