Verify my build

[NewHobby]

Hi all, for several reasons I am doing a Mini mill instead of small mill.

I have landed on this config. Is anything missing to get it to work aside from software, tooling packages, vices etc. I mean from a Plug into a computer CNC perspective. Assuming I have the software stack correct, this is all I need for a functional CNC? No other boards or cards or interfaces or motion controllers?

• LMS HiTorque Mini Mill

• CNC Fusion X,Y,Z Ballscrew kit

• Probotix 3-Axis Monster Mill Stepper Motor Driver Kit with PBX-RF board in the "ready to Run" small enclosure

Thanks

[eartaker]

I didn't use the fusion kit but I did use the Probotix kit on my X2 but I didn't buy it ready to run. The probotix kit is great if you are not planning on large production work. I haven't had any issues with mine and it has been going strong for almost 2 years now. The kits you listed will get you very close to a functioning CNC mill.

[doorknob]

Hi all, for several reasons I am doing a Mini mill instead of small mill.

I have landed on this config. Is anything missing to get it to work aside from software, tooling packages, vices etc. I mean from a Plug into a computer CNC perspective. Assuming I have the software stack correct, this is all I need for a functional CNC? No other boards or cards or interfaces or motion controllers?

• LMS HiTorque Mini Mill

• CNC Fusion X,Y,Z Ballscrew kit

• Probotix 3-Axis Monster Mill Stepper Motor Driver Kit with PBX-RF board in the "ready to Run" small enclosure

Thanks

I don't think that the wiring from the driver boards to the stepper motors is included in your list. You may also need an AC power cord as well as wiring from the power supply to the driver boards (and possibly also to the breakout board).

You may also want to get home/limit switches and wiring. In addition, you might consider an emergency power off button.

Some other options might include a touch probe and a "pendant" control for manually jogging the machine axes.

[NewHobby]

ahh good info, thanks. I wound up with Probotix simply because I do not want to assemble the electronics. Mechanical I am, electrical I am not. I don't mind spending money really. Is there a "better" option? I like the Geckodrive stuff but a lack of a box I plug is sent me elsewhere. Maybe buy the Probotix set without the motors and get the Geckodrive motors?

Any suggestions on Limit/Home switch kit I'd love to hear it because that is a great suggestion.

Anybody know this stuff? Spendy....
http://cgi.ebay.com/CNC-Control-w-3e...item1c1a1b803c

[macpod]

You might want to get the 3 preloaded ballscrews with your CNC Fusion kit. Also, when you go to buy, don't forget to purchase the LMS HiTorque upgrade!

No comment on the electronics stuff. (i.e. I didn't look it over, so I'm not giving it a thumbs up/down)

[NewHobby]

Right, will do thanks!

[sansbury]

The electronics look right, but I would get a Gecko G540 instead of the Probotix boards. The Gecko drives are awesome and it gives you 4 axes (in case you add a rotary table down the line) and a 0-10V spindle control.

Home switches can be as simple as a $3 snap-action microswitch, they give surprisingly good accuracy.

And I would say preloaded ball nuts are a necessity, at least on the X and Y, otherwise backlash can be fairly high. I didn't use a preloaded nut on my Z since the weight of the head counteracts any backlash.

The $1000 ebay kit, looks like you're paying $500 for the fancy box and someone else to do the wiring. I would never buy stepper drivers or stuff from a no-name source on eBay unless they were a lot cheaper than reliable resellers. That kit is not.

[NewHobby]

Great feedback, thanks!

I know nothing about them really. Model Shop CNC, Inc I actually found them looking at videos on conversions on youtube. [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRpTlJ3amjY"]YouTube - 408 XY Table[/nomedia]


It does come with Bobcam software and what not as well as the G540. When I go to kelinginc I find a box all wired up then you have to pay for the motors as well. The box is 599, so the price is about the same as as modelshopcnc deal. They are all Chinese motors apparently.

kelinginc -
F: KL-G540-48 4 Axis G540 CNC Stepper Motor Driver Controller $699
Special Sale: $599.95 + Motors = $150

I think I MIGHT to do a BF20 but there are just none anywhere.

I am doing mainly 6061 and 2022 aluminum block stuff, I suspect the X2 will work fine but bigger seems to be better in this game. X3 is too big and heavy though but if no BF20 come available in the next few months I may just do that...

[poopy_pants]

Do you have anyone that would help you with the wiring? It's not that hard and the diagrams and info are plentiful. I got the G540, power supply and 381oz motors from Keling and am very pleased. I stuffed everything in a tower computer case. I cut a slot in the side panel for the G540 to mount and an extra fan inside to move air across the back. I found good, heavy guage shielded cables on eBay for the motors, switches and VFD. Definitely get the biggest mill you can afford. The table size can be deceiving since you cam really only use 2/3 of it by the time you factor true travel and workholding.

[NewHobby]

Seems kind of a haste if I factor value of my time and the fact that I do not like electronics. I prefer a clean look as well so an turnkey set with clean wiring and what not works for me.

I am pretty sure I can find someone to help though. Just found some good video tutorials online actually. Made it seem easy though.

Problem 1, no SX2 or FB20 mills anywhere and do not want the X2.

[eartaker]

NewHobby,

What is your budget?

With what I am seeing in the way you are talking about the electronics it is inevitable that you will need to do some wiring at some point no matter what electronics you go with, and you will also have some problems somewhere. Everyone does no matter who they are.

Also the Probotix kits also provides a 4th axis function. The G540 is a breakout board/motor driver in 1 unit but you are still going to need to wire up the motors. If you really want to stay away from the electronics you might be better off buying a prebuilt machine depending on your budget.

In addition to what you are trying to do the LMS machine comes with a copy of Mach 3, 4th axis ready, coolant pump ready, and also full spindle control with speeds from 100-7000RPM... Oh and its ready to run all you need to do is supply a computer to run the machine.
Take a look here LittleMachineShop.com - Milling Machine CNC

And here Syil America Products Page

[LatheMaster]

Get some different couplers than the lovejoys that CNCFusion gives with the kit . They give inconsistent backlash . I have been looking at some on e-bay that are aluminum and have the spiral center cuts to allow for misalignment .