Re: New member seeking Information and Flames

Karl,

Welcome! I'll take a stab at some of your questions...

>Harbor Freight 5980 3 in one (it was cheap) that I have modified
>extensively so that I can now mill safely with it and turn to
>0.001" total out of round total deviation. I know that this is
>rotten precision to most of you, but hey, it is what I have.

Not a problem. Whole lotta stuff built with .005 tolerances....

>The lead screw is not driven and that is the first thing that I want
>to rectify as my arm is getting tired cranking the handle. I know
>that I will never be able to cut threads with this machine<snip>

Jim Lewis makes the "Frog", which is a power feed/threading tool add-
on for lathes without the capability. The product is designed for
machines much smaller than what you have, but could likely be
modified to provide more power. Moral is: Never say never :-)

>I want to be able to drive the handle both directions crawling,
>slow and fast. I am also considering motorizing the y axis of the
>table as it has a fixed screw with a nut on the free end.

You're in the right place!

>I visited C&H Surplus and All Electronics in California last summer
>ago and came out with the following steppers<snip>
> SS250-100S 9 V 1.53 A 225 OZ IN 200 STEPS

Sadly, I'm afraid this is the only one which "may" have application
to your stated needs. And it is going to have a very slow "top"
speed, IMO. The other motors will be fine for learning(maybe you
could make a small "engraving" machine with them, you'll learn a
lot), but the torques are really too small for what you are
proposing, IMO. You "could" set up a geartrain of sorts, but by the
time you have the torque you need, the speed will be gone, AND you
will have spent more on the drivetrain than what a better/new motor
will cost...

> Information about drivers and controllers to make the above
> steppers work wold be most helpful.

Nearly all of these can be driven by the typical 2A drivers all over
the web. Look on the list website for links...

>I am also considering the purchase of a Shopmaster 3 in 1 machine
>tool and would appreciate any feedback about that machine.

Some love 'em , some hate 'em. I think they are basically a good
machine for the price. The newer ones are better than the older ones,
IMO. Several on this list own 'em and like 'em. They are a FAR cry
from your HF, as I'm sure yo already know!

>I am hopeful to use some of these steppers on one to give me full
>CNC capability.
>Karl Peterson

Okay, it just prob'ly won't be on the HF 3 in 1...

Hope this helps.

Ballendo