Sherline CNC conversion help

[Lizard2033]

Hello Everyone.

I have a sherline 5000 series mill right now that I use for mostly cutting plastics and aluminium and I'm looking to fit it over to CNC.

I've been looking around for a while now while I've been tring to build up some money, and from what I've seen, Im looking at the 3 axis system kit from www.Xylotex.com for the motors/drivers. Then pick up some of the motor mounts from Sherline.

Im really just trying to bounce ideas off people here to see what you think about this path? Any advice is helpful. As I said before it's really only for plastics and aluminium with the occasional steel, but I can affort to go slow and take light cuts so it's not really a problem. I use it for combat robotics and so being able to CNC rounded pockets and motor mounts will be really helpful. Also I'm not mass producing or anything so speed isn't an issue as long as it's reasonable.

Ok so here are my direct questions:

1. What's the difference between xylotex's ready kit and the system kit? I'm probably missing something here but to me it seems like some molex connectors and a parallel cable for an extra $60.

2. Does anyone know a good place to get the serline stepper motor mounts from? Or a different source for motor mounts?

Thanks a lot for any feedback!

-Alex


Edit to add:

I forgot to mention in all that typing that I should be all set with software/computer to run it off of.

[CNC_MAN_2006]

Ready Kit" which includes " motor cabling " that is the only difference I hope this helps

[BusterCNC]

Hi Alex,

I am planning on going down the same route as you and was wondering if you had got any further with your project.

Although I was thinking about using this controller - http://www.buildyouridea.com/hardwar...in/arcsin.html

I know you said that speed wasn't an issue but I was wondering what sort of speeds you are getting (providing project is complete) I appreciate its all down to the type of material being cut but a rough guess would be useful.

Cheers
Buster

[Lizard2033]

No unfortunately it's going to be about a month or so until I can complete this project due to cash/job issues. But Im still looking into everything, I'll have to take a look at that controller.

Also I'd love to hear how yours goes if you get there first.

Edit: It also appears that chip isn't currently for sale and he is unsure of when/if he is going to start selling them again.

[conradpi]

Hi

I am currently converting a sherline 5000 to cnc.

I have a xylotex 3 axis kit that I bought for around $350.00 with the motors and power supply.

I think that you can't get much better for the price.

I have it working with turbocnc and mach2 and it was easy to hookup and configure.