Re: Unimat

>Steven Ciciora wrote: What do people think of the Unimat? Is it a

good canidate for CNC conversion? It looks like a less expensive,
less sturdy version of a shurline, Taig, etc.

> >Here is a link if anyone wants to look at one:
> >
> >http://www.naturecoast.com/hobby/uni.htm

I have given some thoughts to CNC conversion of the Unimat Classic
and my opinion (and also that of others who responded when I first
posted a similar query) is that it is best to sell it on eBay and get
a Sherline if what you want to do is to make accurate parts. On the
other hand, if the purpose is to CNC it as a learning experience,
especially if you are stuck with one like me, my opinion is the
conversion will be best done by replacing the handle with a pulley,
machining a plate to replace the end plate near the handle, mounting
a Nema17 or a stepper ripped from a Floppy drive, and driving the
axes via belt. This will give you greater flexibility via mechanical
advantage plus avoid the problem of shaft alignment

My 0.02 dollars worth

Peter