Re: Mill/Drill CNC Conversion

Hi Jeff,

Sorry, I thought I'd read that you DIDN'T have CAD, That's why I made
the recommendations! (seems that they were right in line, 'tho).

Sounds like you're well on your way! What size steppers do you have?
And what then is your gear ratio and ballscrew pitch?

Vector CAD/CAM works great for me! Although most all my designs are
"basic". I just used it to figure out the linkages for a finger (half a
robot jaw is a finger, right?) for an eggbot design I'm playing with.
.CCD files would be fine! <GRIN>

Thanks again,

Alan KM6VV


jeffswayze wrote:

>
> Actually I'm a design engineer - I use CAD packages like Pro/E and
> I-DEAS every day. I've currently got the table and base of the mill
> modeled in 3D - that helped me figure out how to do a couple of things.
>
> Adding steppers/servos to your existing screws is a perfectly good way
> to get started. You'll just have to deal with the backlash issues.
>
> Regarding Vector, I own that software at home, and I plan on using it
> for most of my "basic" design work to generate my NC code. Along with
> the hardware, I also built a 30v 15A power supply and three stepper
> controllers from Camtronics. I'll be using CNC Pro as my controller
> software.
>
> -Jeff
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Alan Marconett KM6VV <KM6VV@a...>
> wrote:
> > Hi Jeff,
> >
> > Thanks for the reply. Maybe I'll take mine apart, just to get a "feel"
> > for it! That doesn't sound too bad for ballscrews! And I like the idea
> > of using the cheap nuts first, then one can graduate to the expensive
> > ones later... if wanted!
> >
> > Still, it all adds up. I'm tempted to just make up some motor mounts,
> > and try driving the acme screws for a while! I think I'd learn quite a
> > bit that way.
> >
> > Fred has a good deal on the Vector CAD only package, a good way
> to get
> > your CAD started! I'd sure like to see some parts drawings! Also
> > remember the other free CAD packages. And even the local
> discount
> > stores (CostCo?) have a TurboCAD for about $25, with a tutorial!
> >
> > Cincinnati is a little to far from the West coast! Sure like to see
> > more!
> >
> > Alan KM6VV