Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: Converting Acu-rite 2-axis CNC to 3-axis

« on: August 17, 2012, 11:49:57 AM »

Thanks Hood!  Very good info.  My motors are rated at 140V.  So maybe I should look at replacing the motors so all 3 would be the same.  I contact the vendors you suggested to get their thoughts.

Just so I'm clear, to do what I want I'll need:
3 motors (probably)
3 drives (one for each motor?), or will one drive run all 3 motors (assuming their are the same brand/capacity)
1 controller/software to run the drives/motors (i.e, mach3, etc.)
1 ballscrew for the Z axis
Plus making my own adapters, etc to get the motors to run the ballscrews, etc.

Thanks,

Scott

2

General Mach Discussion / Converting Acu-rite 2-axis CNC to 3-axis

« on: August 17, 2012, 01:56:34 AM »

Hi.  I have an Acu-rite 2-axis CNC that I would like to convert to 3-axis.  I have watched youtube videos of conversion, but I'm not sure where to start.

Has anyone ever done this?

I currently have servo motors and ballscrews on the X and Y axis.  Can I use these when I convert?  Do I have to get a servo motor for Z?  Can I use my current scales, or will all 3 scales need to be the same?

I have looked into kits, but have not found anyone that will let me use my current motors, ballscrews, or scales.  Going that route doesn't make financial sense to me.

It appears the most cost-effective route is to do this on my own.  I have an email in to Gecko drives to see what they have to say.  Any other options?  What about controllers?  I am using Bobcad/cam now for CAM.  Maybe that doesn't matter, but I would like to continue using it.  I want to find a controller/software that is easy to learn.

Any ideas?

Thanks!!


Scott