Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: X-Y Table, Rotary Table for CNC INFO

Ok, well we have scissor z , linear cam z, and another good idea...
no z! The tangent scissor kinematics are not a problem with EMC,
but they are a problem with other software designed for cartesian
only.

Now let's get this thought experiment a little grounded in reality.

Larry has asked if this concept would be an economical way
to get cnc going on his vertical mill as a hobby.

Some of us wonder if a lot of people would like such a thing
if it were economical.

So I did a rough cost.

Actually I did three... one a a turnkey machine designed for
hobbyists... the other as a home built project using Gecko
step/servo amps, and the other as full servo using a standard
amp or the Gecko 310 when it comes out.

I did not do a stepper version as I feel the hybrid step/servo
Gecko platform gives vastly improved performance at about
the same cost.

I assumed using EMC or Master5, The Elson parallel port
board for full servo, and of course Gecko amps.

I further speced this at 1000 lbf and 50 ipm - built to handle
Bridgeport - type light industrial cutting forces.

First the bad news....
As a turnkey system the thing would have to sell for AT LEAST
$5000. I think this is a killer.

Now better news... If Larry wanted to build such a thing as a hobby
using surplus components I get about

$1500 for full servo 3 axis
$1000 for servo driven with step software 3 axis
Knock off $200 or $300 for two axis.

This could vary some depending on the luck you have scoring surplus
components.

Larry, if you will allow be to cast my vote on how to get your hobby
cnc going I vote...

Convert the mill! :^)

Les

Leslie Watts
L M Watts Furniture
Tiger, Georgia USA
http://www.alltel.net/~leswatts/wattsfurniturewp.html
engineering page:
http://www.alltel.net/~leswatts/shop.html
Surplus cnc for sale:
http://www.alltel.net/~leswatts/forsale.html