Hey guys, I have a Granite 1324 MAX and I'm looking to convert it to CNC. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the info out there. Whats the best way to start?

Hey guys, I have a Granite 1324 MAX and I'm looking to convert it to CNC. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the info out there. Whats the best way to start?

It depends on what you want to end up with. Since you already have the machine you are aware of the limits of the milling function. The fact that you are asking on this forum indicates that the CNC system offerred by Smithy is not what you want. If you want to end up with a full CNC machine to produce parts, you will need ball screws on all 3 axes. I don't know if they offer a ball screw for the mill. On X and Y you can install ball screws, but it will gut out your gear drive functions, eliminating any manual capabilities. If this doesn't bother you, you can end up with a pretty good CNC lathe. As far as milling goes, without a ball screw on the quill, the lash will be hard to control. Even if you put a ball screw drive on, you will still have the physical limitations of the existing mill function. If Lathe work is your primary goal, then the conversion will be practical. However if you are looking for a CNC mill function for the majority of your work, you would be better off looking at a dedicated mill like the 622 model or a Syil etc.

HELLO
I HAVE PUT BALL SCREWS ON ALL AXIS ON MY SMITHY AS WELL AS THE FLASHCUT CNC PACKAGE......I WAS THINKING OF TAKING THE CNC PACKAGE OFF . I HAVENT USED IT VERY MUCH AND HAVE OTHER IDEAS. IF YOU HAVE CHECKED ON THIS STUFF YOU HAVE FOUND OUT IT IS PRETTY EXPENSIVE....IT ALL WORKS ,BUT I WOULD PROBABLY UPGRADE THE SOFTWARE AND GO WITH IT....... MAYBE WE CAN TALK OF A SALE AND SAVE YOU SOME $$$$$$$$.
THANKS BILLY