has any one done this to a MILL DRILL i would like to know what parts you have used I have been searching to the point off brain overload. I want to purchace a Milldrill Either Enco or Grizzly and convert it. And know I dont-cant/want to buy the $5000. Kit. Does anyone know where to sorce the correct parts the 1st time...
I have read servos are better then stepper motors but havent found a name brand to use.. anyhelp would be apreciated, I will most likley use Gehco drives, with a flash software.

The servo vs stepper motor question, is a matter of required precision, vs cost. With a good micro stepper controller, and good gearing, it's easy to achieve sub 1/1000th of an inch resolution.

There are lots of guys doing HomeBrew or DIY conversions. The steppers themselves aren't critical as long as they have proper gearing and enough torque ... these run slow anyway.

Take a look here:
http://www.xylotex.com/

They sell the driver boards and have links to other software and hardware required to make a system. One thing to notice is that these can operate "open-loop" which means that the table movements aren't measured and fed back into the control system. Although this can be less accurate, it's much cheaper. (the distances/movements are figured based on the controller assuming how much the motor should be moving)

CP

Another thing to consider is given the way things have gone with the economy for the last few years check out auctions for closed plants/ small shops. You can score a real CNC for CHEAP. Another good source is to check with a local Machine tool distributor. The salesmen there usually always have a customer or two that have older machines the are looking to get rid of. But I think an auction would be the best way to go. I know of people getting decent machines for next to nothing.

Originally posted by Flatbed
Another thing to consider is given the way things have gone with the economy for the last few years check out auctions for closed plants/ small shops. You can score a real CNC for CHEAP. Another good source is to check with a local Machine tool distributor. The salesmen there usually always have a customer or two that have older machines the are looking to get rid of. But I think an auction would be the best way to go. I know of people getting decent machines for next to nothing.


Flatbed is right, they are going for next to nothing.

Originally posted by Flatbed
Another thing to consider is given the way things have gone with the economy for the last few years check out auctions for closed plants/ small shops. You can score a real CNC for CHEAP. Another good source is to check with a local Machine tool distributor. The salesmen there usually always have a customer or two that have older machines the are looking to get rid of. But I think an auction would be the best way to go. I know of people getting decent machines for next to nothing.

I'll third this...

Well I have looked at alot of differnet machines I may have found one in the ballpark. Its a 1982 tree mill cnc with Dynapath controls/interface the only thing the guy said it would not do is Tap, something about the reverse has to be set before the macine starts it wont automaticaly back out?? anyway Im going to look at it tomorrow he wants $3000. for it I just have to wait and see what it can do..

You could also look for Proto-trac systems on a Bridgeport or clone. 2 axis systems are nice, conversation programing is simple, floppy back ups. As far as tapping goes, you could just do it manually. The Proto-trac will mill some nice profiles and BHCs. The system uses servos with the option for manual controls and will climb mill with no effort. Learn programing will follow your manual moves. It may cost a little more than $5k at auction, hard to say, depends on the age and the clone.

You may want to avoid this one. Tree as a base machine tool is not too bad but the Dyna Path should IMHO should be avoided. It is out dated and support is almost nonexistant. Hurco bought and brought back the Dyna Path control as a cheap option but there is no support for the old stuff. If you have a friend that can work on them them maybe, but parts are a bitch. I would suggest finding something with a Fanuc control, even as old as the old G6 variety. The support is still there and also parts. There are a lot of things to consider. Do you know G Code programing? or do want conversational? Got a lot of years experience with machine tools. If ya wanna shoot the shit and go over some options or perspective buys I'll be glad to try and help. Shoot me a PM if ya are interested and I'll give you my number. Heck I may even know a guy in your area that go look at with you. Hope this helps. Later.

Thanx for the input flatbed
I have a buddy that sells and supports the dyna path stuff so that shouldnt be a problem, I talked to him about a retro to make the x axis full. I havent used machine programming since school so i will be hiting the books again LOL I apreciate the offer on the help.
-Scott