Grizzly - Re: consider resurrecting a d ead CNC

Andy,

Thanks so much for the information. It sounds like this is going to
be the direction that I am heading. I'd like to get up and running as
soon as possible, but I don't mind doing a certain amount of
scrounging and leg work. I'm sure to learn a lot in the process,
however I'd like to avoid reinventing the wheel if possible. Are you
using the same [basic] machine as mine (i.e Grizzly, Central
Machinery, etc).

Since I already have a mill and a computer/with parallel port, that
just leaves EVERYTHING in between. I've been looking at the PMDX
Motion Management System however, this list seems to sing the praises
of the Gecko drives so I'll have to investigate this further. I also
now see that the PMDX MM-System has either one or two relays as an
option. I'm confused as to why its not two, three or four (one per
axis). Obviously, I still have a lot to learn.

I'd like to reduce the backlash by using Moglice, but if I cannot get
decent results, I may try to get a set of ballscrews.

I also need to come up with a set of motor mounts (once I obtain the
motors). I'm assuming that they can all be built using similar parts
and specs (at least the X and Y axis) with some likely differences in
the mounting hole locations.

One last gray area that I need to attack is the different treatment
that seems to be given to the Z-Axis. I see that on my mill, the
chuck is held upwards against the backlash via the drill retraction
spring. Should this tension be increased to keep it from catching and
being pulled down [into the work] or should it be removed to allow
gravity to keep it down? Otherwise, am I missing something obvious
about how the Z-Axis is handled?

Thanks,
Steve

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