G'day all. :wave:
A bit about myself. I live near Albury, NSW, and work for a company that produces 4 speed auto's (6 speed in the very near future). I am a fitter by trade, but now work in a Gear Lab (21 Deg. C day in, day out). My job is to run 2 "LK" CMM's. Co-ordinate Measuring Machines. I do daily production checks, which are normally automated, once off checks, & write whatever programs are necessary. Lately I have been flat out writing programs for 6 speed prototypes.

At home I have an old Dean, Smith & Grace manual lathe which I bought for $500, repaired, (the saddle feed worm had been bent like a bananna & the cast iron housing was smashed) & converted to single phase.

I found this excellent forum on a Google search looking for info on the Hafco HM-52 mill. I am about to buy one & wanted to know what I was getting myself into. Chich 2's forum is awsome - gave me heaps of useful information & photos. http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25895&page=1
Sorry. Once I get going, I just won't shut up!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to the zone Mully, do you intend on CNC'ing your HM-52?

Chich would definately help you out with any questions regarding the mill and his thoughts on the CNC conversion.

Make sure you post a build log if you decide to stick a puter onto your mill.

Russell.

Hi Russell.

CNC is not on the cards at the moment for the mill. 1. Finances will not allow it, plus 2. I need to re-learn how to use one (mill) as I've been off the tools for about 7 years! But I'd say give me a couple of years & I would be willing to give CNC a go.

I intend to start of simply by making some clamps, ect. for the mill & some tool holders for the lathe. I've been toying with the idea of making a slotting attachment that would be driven by the horizontal spindle. It would be handy for keyways & internal gears. That would be my 1st real project.

I have'nt been able to put the order for the mill in yet, being Christmas & all. I'm not sure if the dividing head comes with a chuck. If not I'll have to order one to suit as well.

There I go again!

Hi Mully,

Just saw your post, I am in Melb.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15139
This is a machine that is cheap to build. It will also give hours of enjoyment from the learning process.

Other things to look at are:
Mach3 http://www.machsupport.com/videos.htm
VIDEOS ON THEIR SOFTWARE SETUP
Gecko http://www.geckodrive.com/
VERY NICE SUPPORT DOCS ON STEPPER MOTORS
There are a lot more, but on reflection these were the ones that i go back to all the time when i need good info.
Paul