Power Feed.

The nice thing about starting the CAM route by setting up manual power feed
first, is that you can do only one axis at a time. The drivers require a
step signal, and a direction signal to operate the steppers, the step signal
can be a simple 555 oscillator circuit, the direction is simply a voltage or
lack of same to determine direction. So you would have one switch for
direction, one potentiometer for speed, When you get read to convert to CAM,
these could easily be used for manual tramming, and use the CAM program for
the machine. This way you can use your machine for conventional milling
while you are converting it
I gave Camtronics URL earlier, I have no interest in the business.
However I would like to also point out that he does have steppers, and mounts
complete with bearings and connector for $33 a set. They are some very nice
looking units. He also has smaller drivers for the steppers available at the
same site, that would be perfect for the Sherline owners. And the price is
good. If you are not interested in CAM operation, then stop and have power
feed on any axis, stop the long cranking sessions.
Thoughts,
bill