Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] PC Control Upgrade

> I am new to this newsgroup and had a question on fitting my Cnc
> lathe with a PC control. I did a search on the old posts and it seems
> most retrofits are referring to hobbiest type projects. I have a
> rather large machine(LEBLONDE KNIGHT 10)which is all but outdated,and
> the control seems to have bitten the dust.Would it be possible to
> convert to a PC control? Could I use my existing servos and encoders?

Yes, you can convert your machine and use any parts of it that still
work for which you can find or figure out the appropriate interface
information. If the drives are still good you would need a board to
generate the probably +/- 10v signals to drive them. There is an
encoder input board available as an inexpensive kit. Another way to
go (if the motors are permanent magnet DC) is to buy new drives from
www.geckodrive.com for about $100/axis which take step & direction
signals (ie, they make the servos look like stepper motors to the
computer so you can run them off the printer port).

> Is threading a possibility? I'm not sure I'd be too interested if
> threading is not possible as I plan to use the machine as a start in
> my home business,and need threading capabilities.

Threading support tends to be limited. If you can tightly servo the
spindle then most programs will do it. Fewer are able to move the Z
axis in response to an encoder on a non-servoed spindle which may not
always be quite where the program had planned.

I would caution that to get things working nicely, you will either
need to learn a bit about computers as you do the conversion, or hire
someone to help you.

Chris