Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Looking for as much info as possible to construct a CNC system

On Monday 24 February 2003 17:05, "tjsite wrote:

> Perhaps I
> could get some more detailed info on the CNC setup similar to the one
> on this page - http://users.erols.com/mshaver/bps1.htm

Since that's one of my pages, You're free to ask me whatever you like (not
that I'll be that much help, but...).

> Any ideas on where to start would be much appreciated.
> Thanks,

Let me make a few suggestions:

1. (you're going to love this one) Buy another machine. Two reasons:

A. If it's in good shape, your little Powermatic is a nice manual milling
machine. If you go and retrofit ballscrews into it, and make the other
modifications that will be required to turn it into a cnc, you'll DECREASE
its value. A lot.

B. For less money than the ballscrews, motors, and motor mounts you need to
convert your Powermatic will cost, you can buy an old cnc mill with a dead
control. These machines are available for $1000, $500, $20, even free. The
machine on the webpage you referenced above (which was CNC controlled when it
was brand new) cost me (I think) $200, and that was before the machine tool
market collapsed in the last year or so. In case nobody's got around to
telling you, machine tools are all but worthless today. You can't give them
away in the current economy. I'm not saying that you won't pay top dollar if
you go looking for a new high end machine, but the used market is in terrible
shape right now. A guy I know recently bought at auction three (3!) Fadal
machining centers, completely working machines, with tooling, for (you'll
want to sit down now) $11,000.

2. If you want to play with CNC, and you don't have the space for another
mill, and you want to keep your Powermatic (I would), consider a Sherline.
They're easy to retrofit, and can do a surprising amount of work for their
size. They also hold their value well, so when you're ready to step up in
size, you won't take such a beating.

If you have other technical questions, post 'em, or you can give me a call at
(410) 795-2699. It's supposed to snow (again!), so I'll probably have the
time to talk...

Matt