Newbie- need seriuos help

[cob]

hellow to everyone
I am knew to the site and also to cnc I really enjoy machining and know I am getting into cnc so I just purchased a mini SPECTRALIGHT MILL to practice using a cam system and then transfering it to the machine to start machining the part. But I have a PROBLEM the machine the machine is used and it came with no manual and I have 3 ports that I dont know where they go to one port is the Zaxis another port is the XandYaxis in one port and I also have another one with 9 colored wires with a port at the end that is not connected to anything. can someone tell where I can get a manual on how to hook every thing up to a pc so I can start machining or is there something I have to purchase to hook everyting into. thank you

[blades]

I'd give the company a call directly, and see if they can hook you up with a PDF version, or spend some quality time on Google, chasing down links. Someone must have one posted somewhere.

[pzzamakr1980]

I just did a quick google of spectralight mill. It also looks like the spectralights use a proprietary connection and software and you couldnt just use a standard printer port. Did you get a card to plug into the pc, if not, you may be SOL. Post some pics of the wires and mark where each one is going to. It may be simple to rewire them to a pp.

[cob]

Originally Posted by pzzamakr1980 I just did a quick google of spectralight mill. It also looks like the spectralights use a proprietary connection and software and you couldnt just use a standard printer port. Did you get a card to plug into the pc, if not, you may be SOL. Post some pics of the wires and mark where each one is going to. It may be simple to rewire them to a pp.

what do you mean by it uses a proprietary connection and software. I will post the pictures of all the ports once I figure how to post pictures thank you for the info and help.

[Stepper Monkey]

Spectralight machines are modified Sherline mills, but with very proprietary driver hardware. Some of it is pretty primitive and archaic hardware design, too, as they have been selling machines since at least the early nineties.
Having worked on Spectralight machines with exactly this problem in the past, all I can say is that if you don't have all of the needed proprietary hardware to make it run, you should probably ditch the drive hardware entirely. Even if you could buy replacement parts from the company to complete the system, the missing card will cost more than an entirely new replacment universal driver system, which also has the advantages of being far more modern and compact design, under warranty, and better performing.
Adding another expense is probably not what you wanted to hear, but the good news is that with a machine that small there are very inexpensive and easy to hook up drivers available. Xylotex for one. Second bright spot is that the original Spectralight metal enclosure box and cabling and the like were of very high quality, so you can just gut the archaic electronics from the drive box you have and install the new electronics inside, saving a lot of money and hassle.

[cob]

here are the pictures I took hopefully its helpfull this is basically all that I have for this machine as you can see I also took a picture of the Zaxis motor it turns out when I unplugged it from the pins I broke of three of them is there a way to just replace those pins or do I have to buy a new motor my question is what is the easiest way to make this machine work or what do I have to buy to plug in all these ports.

[pzzamakr1980]

I would recommend following Stepper Monkey's advice. He has experience with these machines. Thats if you want to keep this machine. Another great machine is the Sieg X2, a small but mighty machine worth every penny. It even has a cult following. I'm kidding, that was just a knock on Stepper. Anyways, take his advice and look into replacing the electronics with a xylotec setup. Its the cheapest and easiest way to go about it.
Also, before you invest more money into the machine. Make sure that this machine will satisfy the requirements you have. The Sherline's are great machines, but they are very small, as is their work envelope. Before you invest a great deal of time(priceless) and money(400-500, at the least). Make sure you wouldnt be happier reselling the sherline and getting something already setup and ready to go, out of the box.

This is just a word of caution from someone who started out right where you are.

[Oldboy]

cob
Have you own a small mill like a Sherline befor?
If you think you will only work on small parts it's ok.
I have own mine for 8 years.
But if some day "Like me" you want to move on too big & better things look in too a X2 or X3 CNC mill from the start. "Bigger is better"

[cob]

hellow and thanks for all the replys
THE answer to owning a mill before is no, the only reason I bought this mill was because I dont get a chance to run the big ones at work so I figure I would practice on the cam system then starting using the machine.at home its just to see how the machine would react to to programing i would create.by the way can anyone tell what would one symple cnc mini mill would cost right out of the box to where you can just hook up to your pc. and start cutting.
thanks again.

[Oldboy]

Do a web search Sherline direct sells CNC parts. And you can get all the other things from them if you want? Others make a turn key out the box CNC X2 mill for I think $2500.-$3500. Then you still will buy more accessories.
Not sure if anyone is making a out the box CNC X3?
Cheaper to make your own CNC Mod X2 Like me. Will post pic's sometime when its done. Anyway Sherline accessories cost a lot. Meaning?
"If I knew what I know now after 8yr's. I would have never purchase a Sherline". Just food for thought? OK?

[pzzamakr1980]

Hey cob, look at the syil x2 cnc mill.
Heres a link: http://www.syilamerica.com/

They also have the sx3. My recommendation to you, especially if you are using the mills at work. Buy an sx3 if you have the room. If not, buy the x2. There is no comparison between a knee mill (Bridgeport) or a true cnc machine (Haas, Fadal, etc) and an x2 or x3. But an x3 is a great deal heavier than an x2 and much more capable of removing material faster. Buy the largest mill you can fit into your work area. If you have to save up for an extra couple months do it, but dont base your mill purchase on cost alone. That should be a factor, but not a big one. If you have a decent job than save up and get a bigger mill. It will be cheaper in the long run. Trust me.

For an idea of costs for tooling, look at my thread.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53269

What I own for tooling could be considered adequate. The fancy stuff like the Tormach stuff and the measuring tools is just fluff, but the other stuff is necessary

[Stepper Monkey]

As you have unfortunately discovered, if you want an answer to any of your ACTUAL questions, I would suggest trying elsewhere or taking this to PM. You just aren't going to get any helpful answers or assistance here unless you throw away whatever it is you currently own and buy an X2. Sorry. There may also be some old info on here you could look up from before the time of the membots.

It sounds like you chose the mill size you did for a reason, and it sounds like it will suit the needs you want it for nicely, which is what is important here, something people often don't take into account not being able to see past what suits their own needs. Remember that there are turnkey DRIVE systems (motors/cable/controller/software) that mount directly to that mill, the only difference between one of them and a new turnkey system is that there would be the addition of (and unnecessary duplication of) the mill itself and the enclosure, which you already have and are the most expensive parts. You might want to explore the options available for going that way as well.