RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Advise Wanted on CNC System

Daniel,

Nowadays the conversion is not rocket science. You might want to look at
the CNC software that you are going to use first. If you're into Linux, EMC
might be worth a look, but for most people, Mach3 on Win XP or 2000 is the
way to go. I used Gecko and API stepper drives (my machine is a bit larger
than yours, so something like a Xylotec setup may be suitable). A touch
screen monitor will allow you to do away with a load of controls (and
associated wiring) and give you an easy method to control the tool. A PLC
(programmable logic controller) is a good way to cover almost all of the I/O
issue or a less technical method would be a parallel port breakout board.
Add an E-Stop button, limit switches and maybe make up an MPG pendant and
you're pretty much done.

You could buy a kit, but I'm not sure what additional benefit you're going
to get.

You might want to join the mach1mach2cnc Yahoo group too see what's going
on.

I have no affiliation with any of the above manufacturers - just a satisfied
user.

Regards,
Jeff



I am going to start off with a stepper sytem. They seem to be less
expensive.

My question is it worth my time to collect the hardware myself, or
purchase a complete system?

Which "Turn-Key" stepper systems do you all recommend?

I just bought a small lathe and mill from Harbor Freight for my
first attempt of a CNC conversion.

The idea is to learn what and what not to do. Soon I would like to
convert all of my machines in my shop to CNC, but I use them
regularly so I can't go experimenting on them, yet.

I fix all of the electrical dilemmas on my other machine, so I can
read a schematic. I'm not sure it would be a wise investment in time
to buy the Geckos, a power supply, all the connectors, and put it in
a box. When all is done hope that I don't have any "magic-smoke".

Daniel T. Medlin





Addresses:
FAQ: http://www.ktmarketing.com/faq.html
FILES: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO/files/
Post Messages: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com

Subscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-owner@yahoogroups.com, wanliker@...,
timg@...
Moderator: pentam@... indigo_red@... davemucha@...
[Moderators]
URL to this group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO

OFF Topic POSTS: General Machining
If you wish to post on unlimited OT subjects goto:
aol://5863:126/rec.crafts.metalworking or go thru Google.com to reach it if
you have trouble.
http://www.metalworking.com/news_servers.html

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jobshophomeshop I consider this to be a
sister site to the CCED group, as many of the same members are there, for OT
subjects, that are not allowed on the CCED list.

NOTICE: ALL POSTINGS TO THIS GROUP BECOME PUBLIC DOMAIN BY POSTING THEM.
DON'T POST IF YOU CAN NOT ACCEPT THIS.....NO EXCEPTIONS........
bill
List Mom
List Owner


Yahoo! Groups Links