Another LMS Mini Mill 3960

[Rescue35]

I have been wanting to do this for a while. Having seen what others such as Hoss and Don have done I figure it's time to get started.


I've managed to collect most everything I will need to at least get started.

List of what I have:
Mni Mill
Ballscrew
3 Ball nuts
Bearings
Metal for mounts
G540 and 4 318oz/in steppers
Dedicated computer running Mach3 (dual boots w/ Linux to try EMC2 later)

Things I still need includesuggestions welcome)
Wire for steppers and sensors
Limit switches
Couplings
Anything else?



The plan is to get the 3 axis under CNC control, then enclose it. Future plans include setting up the spindle to be controlled by Mach3 as well as coolant.

[hoss2006]

You can get your missing parts here.
High-Torque Stepper Motor, Stepper Motor, Driver, Stepper Motor kit, DC Servo Motor, DC Servo Motor kit, Stepper Motor Power Supply, CNC Router, Spindle, and other Components. Automation Technology Inc
Hoss

[Rescue35]

Thanks Hoss, that's a great site.

Is there any reason that no one has run the Z axis ballscrew through the collumn othe than the machine work necesary to the column itself? I need to get to tearing the mill apart.

[hoss2006]

Now that I read what you wrote.
The column on the X2 isn't the biggest or thickest walled in the world so opening up a slot so its like a g0704 or rf45 would no doubt
weaken it a bit.
Still could be doable if you added some extra support on the rear like just about every other x2 conversion.
Hoss

[hoss2006]

However, cutting a long slot between the dovetails would likely cause flex inward between the dovetails since
there isn't a lot of meat in the column walls.
Hoss

[LUCKY13]

You can run the screw down the back and bring support around both sides of the collumn to hook to the sides of the head. This would give equal pull on both sides of the head to keep from twisting it.


I am running the screw through the head on a X1. I see no problems with it as long as there is room and the head doesnt get weakened from the mod.



I would not cut the collumn any if I could get around it. No use in making a weak part any weaker.


Jess

[Rescue35]

Well, I've been very busy working lately and have had no time to work on this myself. So I decided just to go with CNCFusions mechanical kit. I must say that the turn around time was faster than expected. I am looking forward to assembling everything and getting her moving under her own power. With a little luck I might have some time come Sunday to do it.

[Rescue35]

Well with work keeping me busy I didn't have time to fabricate my own conversion for the mill. So I ordered CNC Fusions kit. I have the mechanical done (other than two bolts) and I'll work on the electronics this evening.

Picture of the kit.


The mill done.




It was fairly straight forward using these instructions although there are a few places you have to have a little sense to complete the steps. CNC Mini Mill Conversion Kit (Hardware)

Also the Z axis bolts that must have there holes drilled in the column where not long enough to go through and use the nuts. Of course those are the bolts I don't have on hand so I will pick up a couple at the hardware store.

[Rescue35]

Ok, I got the wireing connected and just when I thought I was good to go...I do not have the correct parrelel cable. So I will order one along with some wire loom to make it look good. Maybe by next Friday I'll be moving under power.

[Rescue35]

Well I managed to finish up the miscellaneous nuts and bolts. She is mechanically sound.

I also connected the electronics and started configuring. Using the G540 XML file all I had to do was reduce the steps per rev to 10000 to match the .200" pitch on the Thompson ball screws that came with the CNC Fusion kit. I did have one bad solder connection to fix on the X axis DB9 connector.

Using a DI I now have the axis moving like they should. Now to get the CAD/CAM side configured.