newbie with no clue

[zola10]

My name is Andrew, I have just completed a course in CNC machining at Tafe (Mainly programming and cam modules). I would like to pick your brains in regards to a preposed purchase of equipment to retrofit an existing mill.


I have owned a:-


Mill Drill Machine


CODE : M130

MODEL : RF-31

CAPACITY : (X) 435mm

(Y) 190mm

(Z) 300mm


RF-31 BELT DRIVEN MILL DRILLING MACHINE


GENERAL MILL DRILL FEATURES


• Fine and coarse hand wheel-operated quill feed

• 3MT spindle with 75mm diameter quill

• Adjustable table and drill length stops

• Rack and pinion wind-up rotating head

• Rear slide way cover and slide clamps on all axes

• Optional power feed fits straight on the table

• Stand to Suit (M135)



I was looking at using the following equipment to retro fit the above mill :-


**3 Axis 7amp stepper Motion controller with 4 internal opto relays (240vac ONLY)**

**NEW!! RAPID 55vdc / 700w Tolroid Coil Power Supply (240vac ONLY)**

**Jog Pendant Remote (Ver.3) ROUTER TYPE**

**(3) NEMA 34 / 1200oz.in DUAL shaft Stepper Motors including 8ft pre-wired leads**

**Quickstart CDRom, Printer Cable and instructional setup Leaflet**

**(3) Motor Couplers**

**MACH 3 Licence registered to**






I have the following questions though


Will the above items run the mill o.k. or am I wasting my time?
Will I get way with using the acme screw on the slides or will I have to purchase liner / ball screws?
If the acme screw can be used will mach3 compensate for the backlash?
When talking backlash, this is the movement that the handle moves prior to the bed moving? Yes.
Many of the photos and example of small mill have servo’s running them. Why?
Servo vs. Stepper what better in this application?
Direct Drive or Timing belt drive what’s better in this application?
If I can use stepper motors/direct drive, can I put it on the z fine feed.


Understandbly it would be better to purchase a new cnc mill outright buy i would like to use what i have if possible.

Your assistance in this is most appriciated

thanks
Andrew

[Lance Reid]

Hi Andrew, saw your query about the mill conversion.
I have a machine very similar in size and specs and am thinking of doing a cnc conversion also.
How did you get on with the machine conversion?
Are the parts you listed all part of one kit and where are they available from?
I am in NZ
Thanks for any assistance, cheers, Lance

[jcox1968]

Yo, I know this is kind of after the fact seeing how long ago you posted this, but I could not resist asking how the whole deal worked out..... You see, I have the same damn machine that you have and I am currently looking at the same retrofit package. I origionally purchased mine from www.cncmasters.com. It was already set up with ball-screws and stepper motors and it has been a "BLAST" so far, but like anybody else, I am quickly getting tired of missed steps. I am not knocking cncmasters at all B.T.W. I am completly satisfied with the fact that I got what I paid for. I suppose like anyone else, I want MORE... I would appreciate hearing from you..
John Cox..