Need Help!- CNC Conversion help. Time Sensitive!!!

[nsiters]

Hey guys, here's the situation. I was just informed by my boss that we have money left in this quarters budget that we need to spend by tomorrow afternoon (my company has strange fiscal quarters) he wants to use this to convert our little tool room X3 into cnc. So i have done a search and came up with some ideas, but since I have never done a conversion before i thought that I would ask for your help. I'm sorry I am not trying to be lazy, but my computer at home is down and I have only so much time between today and tomorrow to do this. So I think that I am going to use the premium upgrade kit with ballscrews from cncfusion.com. Should i buy the helical couplers for the x and y? I think that I am going to use gecko 203v controllers for all axes. so here is my last questions..... what size/company for the steppers and where should I get the BOB? also am i missing anything else? Like i said it's my first time and i am in a rush so please be kind guys. I would appreciate all of your help. Thanks

[SpeedsCustom]

I think the cncfusion kit is exactly what you need. As far as the helical couplers, I'm not sure. Someone else will stop by and respond.

On an X3, Nema 34's should be great, check out www.kelinginc.net



Also, I have the perfect BOB for you. Please contact me via Pm. It's something you won't wanna pass up :)


-Jason

[cyclestart]

According to a few guys here the helical couplers are a must have. The rubbery part of lovejoys are a wear item. Cncfusion makes good stuff btw.

Given the short amount of time available how about some one stop shopping for the electronics?
http://www.candcnc.com/
In this situation maybe a phone call is the best option. Too bad about the time line, Candcnc has some new products coming out soon.

I have dealt with both these vendors and recommend them without hesitation. First class guys.

[cyclestart]

The Gecko G540 is now available and is a drives/BOB combo. Apologies for not mentioning this earlier. I have been salivating ever since reading about this solution
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...postcount=1277
and the thought of spending the bosses money.....well you get the idea.

[Crevice Reamer]

I have the CNCFusion Deluxe kit. Yes, get the helical couplings. You can't get finer drivers than G203s. The X and Y axes use Nema 23 motors. The Z axis uses Nema 34. Do you need a fourth Axis? Now is the time to get the motors and drivers.

Kelinginc.net has good motors and power supplies. You will want to wire the motors in Bipolar Parallel. For best performance, use the formula: 32 times the square root of inductance = best power supply voltage. Add the total motor amps and multiply by .67 to size the power supply amps.

You will also need a (preferably desktop) computer and at least a breakout board.

CR.

[nsiters]

I do like the candcnc stuff. I like the package deal which would make my life easier. quick question though are the motors that come in the package NEMA23's or 34's? Thanks

[Crevice Reamer]

Originally Posted by nsiters I do like the candcnc stuff. I like the package deal which would make my life easier. quick question though are the motors that come in the package NEMA23's or 34's? Thanks

Tom Caudle is a very knowlegeable and friendly fellow. He will gladly help you put all this together if you call him:

903-364-2740

CR.

[nsiters]

So I just ordered the CNC fusion kit and I am still thinking about the electronics. Thanks Crevice Reamer for the phone number. I think that I will give him a call. I appreciate all your help but I had a few more questions. Where can i find limit switches and an MPG for this that will work with the candcnc products? Thanks

[acondit]

Originally Posted by nsiters So I just ordered the CNC fusion kit and I am still thinking about the electronics. Thanks Crevice Reamer for the phone number. I think that I will give him a call. I appreciate all your help but I had a few more questions. Where can i find limit switches and an MPG for this that will work with the candcnc products? Thanks

CandCNC sells limit switches (actually any order over $60 includes three limit switches for free) and . So ask Tom on the phone. They also sell an MPG that works with there stuff.

Alan

[nsiters]

Thanks everyone for your help. It made my life a lot easier It turned out the boss didn't want to go the candcnc.com route (though Tom's stuff is awesome and would have made it easier for me) So I bought steppers and a powersupply from Keling and all i have left are the drives and the BOB. I was looking at the Gecko G540 since it is all built in..... what do you guys think? It looks like a sweet setup and deal, but I am not sure if it will work in my application. If you guys have any advice I would appreciate it. Thanks

[Crevice Reamer]

The G540 is limited to 3.5 A and 50 Volts. Most of the larger steppers need either more amps or more volts for best performance.

The X3 usually needs a good sized N34 stepper on the Z axis. I know of no N34 that the G540 can drive at best performance. If you are willing to counter balance the heavy head, and accept slower performance, you MIGHT get by with a 495 Oz N23 on the Z.

On MY Grizzly SX3, I went with the G203V Geckos, and I will never regret it. These can handle up to 7A and 80V.

CR.

[cadmonkey]

Ditto on the G203V's - they're worth every penny.

I don't know the gear ratio CNCFusion uses on their Z axis but I went for a 2.6:1 - so my 600oz/in NEMA34 is effectively a 1560oz/in but lacks top speed - never lost a step but I don't rapid the Z often and when I do not very far - it moves nice and smooth with not stiction issues - I chose torque over speed in my design and don't regret it - IIRC my Z is software limited somewhere between 24 and 32ipm. I don't need a speed demon head.