View Full Version : sherline mill conversion. what size steppers


wedge
03-17-2008, 06:48 PM
Been a while since I ve been here, I built a cnc router, was never really happy with it, never really used it, I got it working and never had the time to fully learn everything. Now I have a hobbycnc 3axis, run on 12v and 3 steppers, I think they are 80oz in ones, can't remember. Would that be enough to convert a sherline benchtop mill with??

Stepper Monkey
03-17-2008, 07:36 PM
Not even close I'm afraid. Running any steppers at 12v is a recipe for horrid performance in any case, but coupled with 80/oz steppers you aren't going to get any usable performance out of them at all.
A Sherline doesn't need a lot of power - a fast, small motor does a lot with a decent driver and power supply (36-40v). If you are limited to running only 24v by your driver that will work acceptably, just don't go below that ever.

You will want at least 150-175/oz motors at absolute minimum. Anything up to 200-250/oz or even a hair more can still be in the sweet spot for a small machine depending on the driver. Don't go nuts overkill into higher oz/in numbers thinking it will help even more though, as getting into too large a motor will just kill your performance in an entirely different way. You can research exactly why if you want, its well documented, but way too much to explain here.
I am oversimplifying a LOT - there are odd exceptions of course, but to keep it from getting wholly confusing if you simply stick to that voltage range of driver, that range of motor, and match current at least close to but not over the current on the motors nameplate for how you have it wired, you are in pretty safe territory and can't go too far wrong.

wedge
03-17-2008, 09:27 PM
Ok, thanks for the info.

Will