Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Q: how to build basic CNC machine?

I frankly don't know if the "group" will scold me for not e-mailing you,
direct, and not "posting" this to the entire group! I have built several,
and can hardly read at all, and am an old troll with an attitude. So, any
"bright newbie" should be able to do just fine! All you need is an old '286
or newer with a working LPT-1 (parallel printer port), and some primitive
wisdom how to do GWBASIC, and maybe compose a very simple "machine-code
patch" to make "toggling" bits of that LPT-1 via a "CALL (a)"
straightforward.

How to build? Can you do "precision woodworking"? I built mine using Baltic
birch ply, Formica top, 20 years experience building pipe-organ components,
some home-brew PC boards, lucky access to a "surplus dealer" nearby, and a
dab of patience. Oh, and Thomson linear ball-bearing bushings,
pillow-blocks, and their case-hardened "shaft-ways" and supports. I did ONE
little plotter with Bishop Wisecarver's "V-rollers" and ways, but, well,
Thomson is a vastly better deal, if sometimes a tad more difficult to
"design-into" a cute envelope.

What do you SPECIFICALLY need to know? Ask me (direct e-mail) some good
questions, and I will TRY to respond in the same language.

Got access to a library with "every" periodical ever printed in microfilm?
Look up my "CNC Lathe" article in the May/June '81 issue of ROBOTICS AGE (now
out of print).

Not enough ? See these two sites, scan-down until you get to MY articles
(look for my name in large blue letters):

<A HREF="http://web.wt.net/~hmsc/nov99/nov99.htm">nov99</A> <A
HREF="http://web.wt.net/~hmsc/mar00/mar00.htm">Mar00</A> Then, if
still questions, lemme know. Oh: Where are

you? If in Houston area, gimme a call. Maybe you can visit? Jan
Rowland, Troll