Re: mini-mill converson data kit ?

I'm highly interested in the conversion kit for the z and future XY
axis. Do you have photos of the prototype? When will you be ready to
start supplying?

Thanks

Shawn




--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "kdntool" <gjetson41@h...>
wrote:

> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "turbulatordude"
> <davemucha@j...> wrote:
> > --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, ccq@x wrote:
> > > On Mon Jun 30 04:03:49 2003 kdntool wrote:
> > > >
> > > >--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "turbulatordude"
> > > ><davemucha@j...> wrote:
> > > >> Hi,
> > > >>
> > > >> I am looking for data on converting a mini-mill to steppers.
> > > >>
> > > >> can anyone offer some links ? or recomendations on stepper
> > sizes ?
> > > >>
> > > >> I was thinking of starting with some NEM34's 150 in-oz

because

> I
> > > >have
> > > >> them and could always swap out for larger units.
> > > >>
> > > >> Also, what is the best way to automate the Z axis ?
> > > >>
> > > >> Dave
> > > >
> > > >Dave,
> > > >I just finished the conversion on a "Grizzly" type with the R-

8

> > > >spindle. A ball screw for the Z-axis is the only way to go. I

am

> > > >running a 180oz NEMA 23 with a 2:1 pulley ratio. Direct drive

on

> > the
> > > >X&Y axis'. Rapid rates are 24 IPM--Z and @13 IPM X&Y.(until I
> ball
> > > >screw them as well)(would also improve with higher voltage
> drives)
> > > >Not finished fine tuning EMC yet so they might get even

better!

> I
> > did
> > > >a jig for work with it: 1st piece:50 holes .035 DIA, 5/16"

THK

> > 6061,
> > > >w/ 2 .187 dowel holes 2nd piece: 50 holes .024 DIA, 1/8" THK

O-

> 1
> > > >flat ground, w/ 2 .187 dowel holes. I used solid
> carbide "circuit
> > > >board" drills with the spindle running flat out, no broken
> drills
> > > >even with the "slow" spindle speed. Had to "peck" .015"

deltas

> > > >through the O-1. Both pieces line up perfect. I will be going

to

> > > >market with the retro kit soon if you are interested? Just
> waiting
> > > >for another saddle to arrive so I can finish the ball screws

for

> > the
> > > >X&Y.
> > > >Good Luck with your upgrade it yields a nice little cnc for
> small
> > > >parts.
> > > >Ken
> > >
> > > Yo Ken;
> > >
> > > Are you talking about a conversion kit for the mini-mill? If

so,

> > what are the
> > > details?
> > >
> > > Bill
> > >
> >
> >
> > Yes let me know when it is available.
> >
> > I hope you have a site up soon too.
> >
> >
> > Dave
>
> Details Details,
> I plan to offer a full range from mechanics only kits right up to
> fully assembled and tested closed loop machines.
>
> Basic "Mechanics" Only Kit:
>
> Modified headstock mount casting with pre-installed 5/8" DIA ball
> screw & nut. (Non-preloaded nut as there is not enough room in the
> casting, however with the weight of the headstock on the ball nut
> backlash is not really an issue except on heavy plunge cuts)
>
> Y & Z axis thrust bearing housings w/ 2 ball thrust bearings per

axis

> (utilize existing stock X axis thrust bearings)
>
> NEMA 23 motor mounts for all three axis' (NEMA 34 available on
> request although I am a little concerned about the weight of a

NEMA

> 34 motor on the X axis)
>
> New mounting plate for spindle motor relocation.
>
> Z-Axis pulleys and belt.(haven't tried direct drive)
>
> All necessary installation hardware.
>
> Advanced Kit will include:
> All of the above plus
> Modified saddle casting with pre-installed ball screws & Nuts.
>
> For Basic electronics I've chosen a Xylotex based

driver/controller

> w/power supply, packaged in an enclosure with all necessary quick
> disconnect cabling, and (3) 180 oz/in double stack NEMA 23's. I

will

> include the crossover cable to enable the use of EMC software if
> desired. Hell I'll include the two CD's with the BDI installation

and

> all the settings I am using if you want.
>
> I am looking at the MAXNC closed loop package for advanced
> electronics until I design my own set-up. (subject to change)
>
> Prices?
> I am looking at @ $400.00 for the basic mechanics only kit.
> Basic electronics is in the $500.00 ballpark.
> Probably add @ $250.00 for the X&Y ballscrew upgrade.
> MAXNC Closed Loop is @ $875.00 directly from them.
>
> Harbor Freight Machine $500.00 (chosen for R-8 spindle)
> Basic Package $400.00
> Basic Electronics $500.00
> EMC Software $ FREE
> -----------
> Complete "MiniMill" CNC $1400.00 If you don't mind

getting

> your hands dirty. Even less if you supply the electronics.
> CAST IRON DOVETAIL CONSTRUCTON WITH R-8 SPINDLE!!!!
>
> Full Basic Machine (stock x&y leadscrews) with basic electronics

and

> IBM PII 400mhz loaded with EMC all set-up and tested= @$2300.00
>
> I am a Toolmaker by trade, with an extensive industrial automation
> background, so this is not some chop and hack kit. It has been

well

> thought out and tested every step of the way. I am looking for
> feedback so please respond.