I am converting a 9x19 lathe ( Busy Bee brand ) to CNC and this will be done next week.

I am getting information together but would appreciate any help (experience) so as to get a better result and avoid mistakes many have made.

The machine is a typical 9x19 with a 3 and 4 jaw chuck. I will only be machining wood (and only) and will be doing simple cuts. I do need the accuracy. The speed is a consideration but not the biggest.

I already talked to someone at geckodrives, the computer will be a new and barebones, and the vacuum will be a large shopvac. I will cover the threads to avoid the dust going into them.

I was looking for information on the size of motors to get, if I should get stepper or server, should I replace the main screw thread, and if I should attach the X axis motor on the carriage or on the end of the thread. Even further, should I replace the thread.

And before I even get the machine, it is too much machine? Would a smaller one be sufficient?

Thanks for any help

Angelo

I've got a 9x19 Grizzly 4k and am just beginning to investigate CNC. Though I'll probably upgrade to a slightly longer 9x 26 or 30 first because I need a little more length for boring into the ends of my parts.

I can't give any help whatsoever but I can probably use all the same advice you get, so I'll be watching over your shoulder.

It might help to describe what you're making. I'm doing hardwood and delrin parts for woodwind musical instruments myself.

No help here either,

But I was wondering the same thing , I seem to remeber seeing some convertions on something close to a 9X19 , but i could be wrong.

Anyways any help pointing us in the right direction would be excelent.

Used 7/16 - 20 leadsrew on X axis. Extended the X travel to 8 inches :)

Will be using gang tooling on the tool block. 3/4 .100 ballscrew on Z.

DeskCNC with Geckos 320's