Re: Modifying an X-Y table

Chuck,

Call Otto at MaxNC and ask for his plans for doing exactly what
you're planning... He used to (maybe still does?) sell plans for a
simple 3 axis mill based on these vises. 65 bucks, including his
early software. VERY simple design. He put coupling nuts inside the
existing acme cast nuts, using a coupla drilled holes for setscrews
to hold 'em. Switched the acmes for 1/4-20 threaded rod, picking up
some force in the trade...

Made new motor mounts from aluminum plate to replace the handknob
mounting plates, and bolted an aluminum plate to the x/y vise to hold
the U/Z vise (with 4th axis capability for tool changing; that's what
the U is<G>), and mount the x motor.

Even had a circuit board layout using tip 120 transistors and 7404
inverters, IIRC. All radio shack parts. the max s/w put out phase
signals... (For electronics suitable for use with other s/w you could
look at Pauls CNConabudget.com freebies for a drive based on the 5804
chip from allegro. I'm hoping he'll post his 6506? circuit soon...
Paul?!?)

So, 2 xy vises, 2 pieces of 2-1/4 sq. or so alum., a 1/2 x 6 x 15 or
so alum plate for the "column", and 3 coupling nuts, and steppers.
Simple, robust, works... (I've cut steel with mine)


Hope this helps,

Ballendo

P.S. I used brass threaded rod in the coupling nuts for less stick
slip. And I hacksawed the coupling nut and "squished" it for a crude
anti-backlash nut.

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Chuck Knight
<chuckknight@h...> wrote:

>
>
> Well, today there was one of those neat tool sales they hold out in
> rural area. Homier is a popular company for these, though today's

was

> Cummins Tools.
>
> While I was there, I found a fun little toy. Its castings are a

bit

> rough, but it's a cross-slide drill press vise, essentially a 4x6

inch

> X-Y table with a vise on top. Needless to say, my mind immediately
> turned to its possibilities as a low cost CNC platform. <snip>