Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] spend on DRO, pwr feed or conversion?

Depends on how much of a hurry you are in. You'll need a ballscrew assembly for X and Y about $650 new, might find one on Ebay or elsewhere for much less. Also Servo or Stepper motors for each axis about $100 used or new old stock, If they need encoders add $40 dollars to each. You'll need belts and toothedbelt sheaves for each axis at about $80 for the three new. You'll need a PC and software and the latter is free to a few hundred dollars depending on which one you select. Servo or stepper drives, Geckos are on sale for $99. A breakout board like Bob Campbells is a little over a $100. Also a power supply for the Servos or Steppers for a few hundred. A few weeks liesurely work or a week of hard work to assemble. Some of the prices will vary with dilligent searching. If one takes their time they can produce a very reliable CNC machine retrofit capable of complex machining operations. After retrofitting my Bridgeport, I wouldnt spend one nickel on DRO or a power feed. I have another
manual mill that before I knew how well these retrofits work I purchased a power feed for. The money wouldve been better spent towards another CNC control.
Hope this helps,

Ron

Chris Loiacono <chris01@...> wrote:


I have a 9 x 44 Nantong mill that I have been using with no power feed or
DRO. Lately it's been getting used every day and I'm tired of turning
handles.
My first instinct was to order an X-axis feed and 3 axis DRO. The cost is
only about $1,000 and a couple of hours to modify the end of the lead screw.
My next thought was: "Hmmm... how much more would it cost to convert this
mill to CNC?
I haven't a clue. for example, is there a DRO system I can install that can
be used now as a DRO, and later as I complete the conversion?
Can anyone offer advice and perhaps ballpark cost numbers for me so I can
make a decision?

Thanks In advance!






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