Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Milling Machine info needed

R Petersen wrote:

>I am new to this group and hopefully I can get some
>help getting my milling machine running. I have an
>Autonumerics Milling Machine, Positool Model # S-2. I
>have all the stepper motors (5) but no controller,
>computer, etc. It runs on 3 phase. I would like to
>convert the 3 phase motor to 230 volt single phase and
>CNC. How can I identify the stepper motors and what
>voltage, there are 8 wires coming out of the stepper
>motors. How can I test the motors? Is there any plans
>I can get to build the CNC unit? Surplus parts? I am
>on a limited budget.
>
>

5 stepper motors? Usually there would only be 3, you must have some
extra axes. The 3 phase for the spindle motor is easy. Get a VFD of
somewhat
larger HP rating than the motor. The VFD not only converts from single
to 3 phase, it also gives you variable speed and braking. (Most VFD's over
1 HP are not listed as running from single-phase power, but they will,
with a little derating.)

Do the stepper motors have any nameplate on them? The manufacturer
may have covered over the nameplate, you might have to poke around
a bit to find it. The stepper motors are most likely OK, they are quite
rugged. If you really need to test them, applying a D cell across
combinations
of the wires should make them move one step. If you can at least give
us some description (measurements, color, basic shape descriptions
(ie. cast end covers or milled, screws, type of terminals) we might be able
to pin down the make and probably specs.

I have had good luck with Gecko drives for moving stepper motors.

The EMC software is free (or $10 on a CD from Ray Henry), and requires a
modest performance Pentium-class computer. 333 MHz is about the minimum
for software driven steppers with EMC.

Jon