Re: Electronic Lead Screw & Power Cross Feed | Poor Man's CNC ?

I bought a Frog, though haven't hooked it up yet because it was the
closest thing available. I am said they went out of business
because I think perhaps it is the e-leadscrew or darned close to
it. I'll play with it and let you all know what I think. He has a
few units left that he is selling.

Ironically, my livelihood is focused around computers and software,
and I expect to do some CNC at some point. I just genuinely see
these as two different applications. I think it is interesting when
folks like the 5Bears guy choose to build a separate CNC mill and
still keep their manual mill. This is telling me there is a need
for both. Ideally, we can also figure out some techniques to
preserve both functions. I like hearing that its possible.

BTW, my own web site has a page on this where I have gathered my
thoughts and "feature" list:

http://www.thewarfields.com/MTLatheElecLead.htm

Vaso's idea of a Yahoo Group is also excellent. As I have said,
there is demand, the idea makes sense, and someone will do it!

Best,

BW


--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Alan Marconett"
<KM6VV@a...> wrote:

>
>
> Hi Bob,
>
> You make an excellent case for an Electronic leadscrew! Even 'tho

I'm

> coming from a CNC solution on both my Sherline mill and lathe, I

can

> certainly see your point. You just want to "soup-up" your lathe,

not change

> to CAD/CAM/CNC to make your parts.
>
> You've mentioned the FROG; as the Frog can drive large stepper

driver

> (Gecko), I suggest you consider adding it that way. A Frog for a

big lathe!

>
>
> I understand the owner of the Frog business is no longer wishing

or able to

> consider making frogs, but that some are still available. THIS

product

> should serve as a starting point (if not a solution) for the E-

leadscrew

> project, in my opinion. Perhaps a technology transfer is in order?
>
> But don't get me wrong, I LOVE having CNC on my lathe as well! I

can and DO

> "drive it" from the keyboard, either by MDI (Manual Data Entry) or

the jog

> keys. Just me! At first all I wanted was a glorified power feed,

but I

> soon came to appreciate being able to "command" the axis around

from

> keyboard commands. Then when I needed a "fish belly" contour for

a steam

> engine piston rod, well... perfect for CNC!
>
> Alan KM6VV
>
>
> > [mailto:CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of BobWarfield
> > Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Electronic Lead Screw & Power

Cross Feed |

> > Poor Man's CNC ?
> >
> > I think the CNC setup is actually considerably more complex than
> > what is contemplated in the strictest sense of an electronic
> > leadscrew and I'll tell you why. It all sounds like a case

of "Gee,

> > if I have to hook up a stepping motor anyway, why not just go

CNC?"

> > However, let's look at a couple of different reasons why that is

not

> > really the case.
>
> <SNIP>
>