Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] newbie questions

Have a really close look to the machine you are going to buy.
Many of the machines you find in the market were production machines
that ran only on one single spot for 24 ours and got little maintenance.
They look as a beauty but if you push them over there will be one spot on
the bed ways damn worn and so will be the lead screws.
And it is tough work to rescrape and ball screws aren't cheap.
Best check out together with a friend who is in rebuilding. and maintenance.
good luck
Sven Peter


VLOCCI@... wrote:

> I apologize if this is a terribly basic question, but I've read
> through the "files" and "bookmarks" sections of the website and have
> yet to find the required info.
>
> I'm considering converting a bridgeport series 1 to PC control.
> These mills (with Boss 1-5 controllers) are a dime a dozen here in
> the northeast and I've stubled across quite a few for less than 1K.
> The controllers are always shot, or missing parts, but the mills
> themselves always seem like they are in good condition. After one
> too many years cranking my own handwheels, it time to let the
> computer do the hard work.
>
> Here goes on questions:
>
> 1) anyone done such a conversion and documented the process
> reasonably well. I'm far from a electrical engineer but I hold my
> own with wiring, soldering and computer inconnectivity. Is such a
> conversion over the head of a beginner?
>
> 2) what controllers are out there for such a conversion at a
> reasonable cost. I've found several mentions to the Gecko units, and
> their cost seems to come in lowest. Am I missing something or is
> this really "too good to be true?" Which would be the correct unit
> to use in an application such as this? Is it as simple as ordering a
> stepper controller like the gecco units, wiring them up and feeding
> them some sort of input from the computer? I'm assuming the input to
> the stepper controllers comes via parallel port? (or is there
> something in between the output of the computer and the input to the
> stepper controller?)
>
> 3) I'm in need of software reccomendations. the CAD side of things
> I'm OK with, having spend quite a few years with IDEAS and
> Solidworks. After greating a part in a CAd package, what next? I'm
> assming you need to send it to some sort of post processor to
> generate G code which the stepper controllers can work with. Any
> suggestions as to what to use? (ideally windows 98, as I have 0
> experience with Linux)
>
> 4) what else am I missing in this picture? PC with software, some
> sort of stepper motor controller and finally the bridgeport installed
> steppers. The spindle motor wiring and 3 phase requirements I can
> easily take care of myself.
>
> As I'm sure this is pretty basis stuff for most, and I hate to clog
> up the list with newbie questions, feel free to reply via private
> email. (vlocci@... in case the headers are stripped)
>
> Thank in advance,
>
> Vincent
>
> Welcome to CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@...,an unmoderated list for the discussion of shop built systems, for CAD, CAM, EDM, and DRO.
>
> Addresses:
> Post message: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> Subscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Unsubscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> List owner: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-owner@yahoogroups.com, wanliker@...
> Moderator: jmelson@... timg@... [Moderator]
> URL to this page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO
> bill,
> List Manager
>
> FAQ: http://www.ktmarketing.com/faq.html
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]