Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Maximat conversion

Thanks,

What I plan to do is replace the little bracket at the top of the column
with a new one and (hopefully) use the existing screw. I can mount the
motor directly to the end of the screw. I never used the column attachment
on the lathe 'cause it was to "wimpy". All I want to cut with this unit is
wax patterns and won't need much up vertical motion (hah!).
What size motor did you use on the Z axis?

I'm working out the details for building the X drive now. I'll be using a
3/4 diameter bal screw for it. The mechanics of driving and installing the
ball nut turned out to be really simple. I only need one aluminum casting
and have to add a few screw holes to the rear of the lathe bed and saddle.

I haven't looked at the size of the cross feed screw..since I cleaned and
adjusted the machine last year, but as I recall it uses something like a
1/2" screw and as it isn't very long, that should mount pretty much the same
way as on my big mill (with one end free).

Later on I'd like to alter the index table attachment I have for the machine
for use as a "fourth axis". That should be interesting!

Smoke


-----Original Message-----
From: ptengin@... <ptengin@...>
To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Tuesday, March 06, 2001 3:51 PM
Subject: Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Maximat conversion

>
>
>Hi all,
>I have an old Maximat V10P lathe with a vertical mill attachment.
>I've been looking at it to see what would be required to convert it
>to CNC.
>
>The mill head is driven up and down via a 32 pitch screw. This part
>would be easy to convert...just replace the top bracket with a custom
>made one that would allow direct drive (or belt drive) mounting for a
>stepper motor. Anyone ever done something similar?
>
>Suggestions anyone?
>
>Smoke
>
>
>
>
>Smoke,
>
> I've done a FB-2 which is the stand alone mill using the same head as on
>the V10P. I got the X and Y axis converted to Thompson 5/8" ball screws

easy

>enough. The Z axis was a killer. When I adjusted the round gib and slider
>block snug to eliminate chatter, the drag started to cause missed steps.

When

>I backed off on the drag, the chatter came back. I went to the same 5/8"
>ballscrews as X and Y and got some relief but then I got some crud stuck on
>the surface of the round column and it galled. I ended up building a new
>column out of 3" square tubing and THK linear bearings but because of lack

of

>rigidity, still have chatter. The drag went to zero so, now, the speed is
>dictated by the motors rather than drag. I have just finished a new column,

3

>X 4 inch solid steel bar, surface ground and fitted wtih THK rails . If I
>find time to do the swap, I'm confident the new setup will cut a better

part.

>
> BTW, the lack of rigidity only means I cannot use large cutters like 1/2"

+

>or do really heavy cuts. I simply make more passes and end up with very

nice

>parts. I think if you treat the machine with TLC, you could make the

machine

>work as is. So far for us, it has been tough. Not a Bridgeport but it will
>make heavier cuts than a Sherline class machine.
>
>My two bits.
>
>Peter
>THRD, Inc.
>
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>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/
>
>