Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Introduction & request for help

From: <vrsculptor@...>

> I've spent the last year on the same road with good success. You've
> already got an excellent answer from Carol & Jerry but I can't resist
> throwing in my two cents worth.

No prob.
I appreciate the answers from everyone.
Getting a good cross section of data will help steer me in the
right direction for my needs and abilities.

> 1. Use Gecko drives (www.gecko.com). It really simplifies your
> design, they are rock solid and they are affordable. There web site
> has some interesting white papers.

Man, I'm glad that people are recommending these guys,
but am I right in thinking I need three of these things?
I'm really trying to keep the cost of the first attempt down.
I can do most of this because I already have most of the materials,
and have a lathe, mill, plasma cutter, Tig welder, bandsaw, etc...
to build it all with myself.
While spending my dough on these things might enable a better input
to my project, it would seriously impede the output from the wife! (:Þ)

> 2. Use servo motors with encodes instead of steppers. They are
> cheaper if bought surplus and support faster feed / positioning
> rates. There isn't a whole lot of additional complexity to this
> approach with Gecko's. They look like steppers to the PC.

Again, it's a $$ issue for me with the servos as well.
I *do* recognize the superiority of servos over steppers,
but just can't swing the extra cash for them at this point.
Now, I will say this -
If the project works out as well as I want it to, and I decide
to convert my mill, I'd definitely have to consider taking a loan
to do the servo thing.

Thanks,

Weyland