I have tried fitting a stepper to my lathe, but it clearly is not strong enough, because it keeps slipping. The problem is I am a dunce when it comes to Nm or whatever the torque rating of steppers is - and there is no label on my present motor to show what power that is, or I could work from that.

I have a Warco lathe (with a milling head attachment) WMT200. It has a 5 inch throw (ie will turn just under 10 inches) and an 18" bed.
I use it for turning steel.

Has anybody any idea what size of stepper I should be looking for - ie Frame size and torque or whatever.  I have 24 volt supply available. I think my present motor is a Nema 23 frame - so if I can get one it will fit my present attachment (although making another one is no bother).

I have had Mach3 working on my daughters Toshiba laptop - and it seems to work very well - it better do, I have said I will buy it from her. I have checked the movement of the motor (step per inch and backlash) and got very good results. The only thing seems to be my small motor.

I am based in Wakefield, West Yorks - if anybody can tell me of a stockist that is reasonably sympathetic that I can try.

Jim Pinder

Jim,
Have a look at www.arceurotrade.co.uk.
I have heard there motors are very good and I am sure they will discuss your requirements with you.

tmsmith

Thanks a lot - had a look at their site - selected a 220Ncm motor and bought one - it should work, it looks a lot bigger than the one I have got. The price was quite reasonable at £40. The chap was very helpful on the phone and more or less guaranteed it would work.

I can still use the present driver card with it as well.


Jim Pinder

Pleased it worked out for you

tmsmith

And the motor arrived today at 12.25pm - excellent service.

Jim Pinder