Happy holidays, all!

I'm engaged in a sort of CNC conversion for my Lathemaster 9x30 lathe.
I drew up some plans and thoughts today for how to mount my step
motors. They're available here:

http://www.thewarfields.com/MTLatheSteppers.htm

I don't think its anything too revolutionary, but if someone has a
comment or feedback, please sing out.

Best Regards,

BW

Happy holidays, all!

I'm engaged in a sort of CNC conversion for my Lathemaster 9x30 lathe.
I drew up some plans and thoughts today for how to mount my step
motors. They're available here:

http://www.thewarfields.com/MTLatheSteppers.htm

I don't think its anything too revolutionary, but if someone has a
comment or feedback, please sing out.

Best Regards,

BW

Bob,
I used standoffs like in your drawing. One problem that has shown up is that the standoffs do not allow the transfer of enough heat away from the stepper motors, so they overheat quicker than I imagined or expected.

I would like to recommend something that I have considered doing to cure my problem, although I have not seen anyone do it. If one had a piece of aluminum heatsink material larger than the motor; (0.125 thickness) with long fins, Then machine away a circular area of the fins so that the motor would fit inside the remaining fins and the base of the motor mounted thru the base of the heatsink to the standoffs. Also, a hole would have to be drilled or machined for the stepper shaft and holes to match the standoffs. This in my opinion would solve the problem of the stepper motors overheating, and the fins would be able to radiate the excess heat away from the steppers. (If the fins were of a proper length).

I thought that I would suggest that you consider this, as I am going to have to do this or something similar to my machine. At this time, I can only operate my machine for about two and one-half hours before I have to shut the machine down to allow the steppers to cool off to keep from destroying them.

Just an idea that you might want to consider, and that could possibly save you some grief later on.

Your project looks very good.

Jerry

Bob,
I went back to your site and looked at your drawing again.

You could simply mill out a heatsink with the mounting holes and slide it over the motor from the rear and use bolts long enough to go thru the spacers to attach it. My motors are hex shaped and have motor connectors, so I cannot take this path.

Definately something that can be added later on your setup.

Jerry

Jerry, thanks for your heat sinking thoughts!

I agree that it ought to be straightforward to create a heatsink at a later date. I also have an Industrial Hobbies mill that is likely to get CNC'd. Making some motor heatsinks seems like a great project for that mill.

Meanwhile, I don't plan to use the machines for anything but my hobby so I can probably stand 2 1/2 hours max run time at a shot.

Thanks again for your suggestions!

Best,

BW