Re:Re: Re: 4th Axis Concept (long)

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Chris L <datac@l...> wrote:

> The 2 things I do not really like (man, I am hard to please) is (1)

Indexing the part AFTER setting Zero............ Not the worst, but
could be beneficial to set it after for pre-finished parts.

>
> and (2), now I would have to learn about servos ! (Oh,

honey,...... I need MORE money!)

>

Chris,
Its not near as bad as it sounds. Would suggest that you buy a Gecko
340 stepping servo controller (~ $125) and the surplus DC treadmill
motor and controller (~ $100) that has been discussed here before.
Use the soft start variable treadmill power unit to fast turn the
spindle. Buys a 1000 count/revolution encoder from US digital with
index (~ $45). Buy 2 24volt 10 amp transformers (just bought some
form a surplus dealer on the web in N. Florida for $20 each), add a
bridge and some filter caps and you have a 60 volt DC supply for the
Gecko's. Buy an A/C contactor relay (about $20 in Miami)for the servo
swithch out and you've got most of what you need. Glueing it together
is most of the fun.

This project is not near as much fun as buying a dead, sight unseen,
6,000 pound servo mill from the other coast and getting it delivered
in a refrigerated flower van and trying to get it in your 2 car
garage. It all worked out OK and in comparison this should be a piece
of cake :-)

Roger