Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: turboax on May 26, 2008, 12:18:24 PM

Title: Retrofit CNC Mill
Post by: turboax on May 26, 2008, 12:18:24 PM

I live in central Michigan and I am retrofitting a CNC  knee mill with Mach 3.  I am looking for somebody that could walk me through Mach 3 and hook up.  I am willing to pay for help within reason   Tony

Title: Re: Retrofit CNC Mill
Post by: olf20 on May 27, 2008, 07:35:59 PM

Hi Tony, I have converted a Atlas 10 x 54 knee mill. I done all the work myself (with a lot of help from the forum).
I will give you what I know, and I'm sure we can get you going.
Let me know what I can do!!
olf20

Title: Re: Retrofit CNC Mill
Post by: turboax on May 28, 2008, 06:38:59 PM

Thanks for the reply
About parallel port has inputs  output and common how many do I need to drive one axis ?

Title: Re: Retrofit CNC Mill
Post by: olf20 on May 28, 2008, 07:31:07 PM

Hi turboax, attached is a drawing that shows a typical layout. Now typical does not mean anything except some place
to start.

To drive one axis you need two outputs (1 step, and 1 direction). I'm assuming that you are using stepper motors.

With one break out board (BOB) you can have 5 inputs, and 12 outputs. A second parallel port can be added to most
computers to give you more inputs if needed. I have several other drawings that show differant aspects of the wiring.
Such things a limit switches, E stop, and so on.
Let me know what you need next, I'll be happy to help!!
olf20 / Bob

Title: Re: Retrofit CNC Mill
Post by: turboax on May 30, 2008, 05:44:07 PM

 I am using DC servo motors how much of a difference is that?

Title: Re: Retrofit CNC Mill
Post by: olf20 on May 31, 2008, 07:35:52 AM

Not much difference from a wiring point of view. I used steppers for costs reasons.
Here is another layout of a Servo System.

Title: Re: Retrofit CNC Mill
Post by: turboax on June 01, 2008, 09:02:31 PM

how are  encoders  wired.  into  the PC or the servo's drives?

Title: Re: Retrofit CNC Mill
Post by: olf20 on June 01, 2008, 09:12:13 PM

What motors are you using or plan on using??
olf20

Title: Re: Retrofit CNC Mill
Post by: turboax on June 02, 2008, 07:12:55 PM

It has DC Servo motors on it already.  Here's the thing.  The Servo drives are analog.  I am thinking that the best thing to do is switch drives and encoders.  I was looking over the drives on the machine and they are labeled 80 V and 15 amp.  Now I am looking at gecko drives 320 or 340 trying to decide on which one."   encoders are harder to shop for looking for recommendations.

Title: Re: Retrofit CNC Mill
Post by: olf20 on June 03, 2008, 07:26:04 AM

Did you see this thread  http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,6853.0.html.
I'm not up on servo drives but Hood and others have lots of knowledge.
olf20

Title: Re: Retrofit CNC Mill
Post by: turboax on June 05, 2008, 07:03:27 AM

I am going to do some more research.  Before I buy any servo drives not to mention that I need to put away my credit card.  Thanks for your help Olf20

Title: Re: Retrofit CNC Mill
Post by: da21 on June 05, 2008, 07:11:39 AM

if it's already got encoders etc , then just drive the analogs from a new controller
see my other posts , darn cheaper too

Dave

Title: Re: Retrofit CNC Mill
Post by: turboax on June 05, 2008, 06:35:28 PM

link me to your posts please