RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] CNC retro fit kit

Scott:

May I make a suggestion? Before I retired, I worked in the field of machine
vision and other computer related kinds of things. My "Ace-in-the-hole" was
that I could do both the hardware and the software well, where others could
do either one or the other. I'd suggest that you take this time to assemble
your own CNC retrofit for your mill rather than purchase a "pre-engineered"
retro kit. By doing this, you'd learn the following:

1. How to size motors for the forces required to mill a piece of metal
2. What kinds of hardware, and their capabilities, are available.
3. How to debug a system to make it work.
4. The capabilities of the various software packages and how to select from
among them.
5. How to integrate the software with the hardware.

Now, you might ask "Why do I want to learn all of this stuff when only want
to augment my drafting skills?" My answer would be that you need some skills
that set YOU apart from the other competent folks looking for a job. You'll
most likely find work with a small company that needs several different
talents, but can't afford to have several folks on the payroll. If you are
well acquainted with the entire system, than you could step in and do the
job required. Being able to fill this role with a large company, and keeping
ahead of the technology served me well for 32.5 years.

-- Jerry Jankura
Strongsville, Ohio
So many toys, so little time....

Does anyone know of a well made, 4 (yes, Four!) axis CNC retrofit control
system that is strong enough to operate a mill with a 9 1/2" X 32" table?
And simple enough to plug into the back of a computer, load the software and
begin working?