RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] CNC Retrofit of Smithy 1324 CNC

I would say that for $3125 you should be able to convert your Smithy to CNC
and put about $2000 into the bank for future tooling. You can make the
mounts for the stepper motors, buy the drivers from Gecko or Camtronics,
build a power supply and wire it up. For control software use EMC, CNCpro,
DeskNC, DeskNCrt, Master5, DeskWinNC, TurboCNC or what ever else appeals to
you. Don't get me wrong, FlashCut is a nice package, but it currently does
not support all G or M codes and you are limited to the FlashCut control
software. There are several packages that convert DCF files to G-code or
will output G-code directly from the CAD/CAM system. You might want to look
at Vector for this capability. Bottom line, you can do this for a lot less
than $3125 and have a better system IMHO. I did my own conversion using
Camtronics drivers and EMC for control software and the total cost was under
$400.00. This was for a small machine but the only real cost difference
would be in the size of the steppers needed for the Smithy.

John Guenther
Sterling, Virginia

> -----Original Message-----
> From: tmylen [mailto:ted@...]
> Sent: Monday, March 04, 2002 7:01 AM
> To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] CNC Retrofit of Smithy 1324 CNC
>
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I am new to the list. Most of the posts are over my head but I am
> beginning to get a general feel for the lingo of CNC.
>
> I would like to give you a little history of my hobby and training
> for that hobby.
>
> I have been a computer buff since 1979. I have since owned or had
> access to computers and write programs in C, C++, Visual Basic, and
> Palm handhelds use C++ and basic. I also write embedded programs in
> C and basic. My hobby extended into electronics about 4 years ago
> and I have received training from the local community college through
> digital circuits. I can program PIC, 68HC11, DSP, and Basic Stamp
> devices. I have built one robot using the MIT Handyboard that uses
> encoders and ultrasonic distance sensors. All it does is run around
> and avoid "most" objects. I understand stepper motor technology and
> have built and used several circuits to drive old floppy disk
> steppers and many others I have salvaged from fax and old printers.
> I have successfully used encoders to govern speed and position using
> both stepper and reversable motors.
>
> I bought the Smithy about 4 months ago and have been reading as much
> as I can, and can afford, to bring myself up to speed on various
> techniques of machining metal, mostly aluminum and plastic, but I
> have some ideas about using steel. My main interest initially is in
> cutting gears and threads for drive systems.
>
> I have a Vertex dividing head with three dividing plates. It can be
> positioned from vertical to horizontal. I have a three-jaw chuck to
> fit to the head.
>
> The Smithy company refers me to Flashcut CNC for a retrofit package
> for this Smithy. They quote me a three-axis outfit price of $3125
> which includes controller and motors. I believe it is with stepper
> motors and not servos.
>
> My first question is: What is the best CNC software for a home
> hobbyist that can output DXP to the Flashcut system? I have looked
> at BobCad, Deskproto, and SurfCam. BobCad has a very attractive
> price range and the version 17 can do 3D. I looked at the "G" code
> syntax and it looks pretty straight-forward. My initial goal with
> CNC would be to set up standard cutting tool-paths for plastic
> (Delrin) and aluminum gears for robotic drive gearboxes.
>
> My second question is: What is an affordable CAD program that can
> interface with the low end CAM programs above? I haven't looked at
> any in this regard.
>
> My money saved for this hobby has almost been depleted. I need some
> type of "target" amount based on a hardware and software
> configuration selected in the near term for future implementation
> (when I can save the monies required).
>
> I have the computing power in my shop to handle any of these packages
> already. I have computers that run DOS 6.2, Windows 3.1 and WFW
> 3.11, Win 95, Win 98, Win Me, Win 2k, and now my wife has a new Win
> XP. The processors range from 286 and 386 (both retired but
> revivable), Pentium II 233, 350, and 650, and Celeron 400. The
> motherboards are mostly Abit with a new Gainward I am trying out.
>
> Any input would be most appreciated and highly valued. I have a
> large learning curve but I am diligent and have the desire.
>
> Thanks for your time.
>
> Ted
>
> ted@...
>
>
>
>
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