Build Thread- Grizzly 10x22 lathe, and X3 CNC conversion build log

[TacPyro]

Hello

I have begun the adventure of converting a new lathe and mill to CNC. This thread is where the discussion began. We will convert the lathe first, using the mill to help the process along. After the lathe is done we'll convert the mill.
The main goal of this thread will be to collaborate on creative ideas involving the conversion of the Grizzly 10x22 lathe, and the X3 mill.
We manufacture tactical training products as shown in the photo below:

We have been using 7x14 lathes in our process, and have definitely outgrown them at this point. Here is one of our 7x14's taking care of a drilling operation:



Items that have been ordered so far:

1 G0602 10x22 lathe
1 G0463 mill (this is the Grizzly version of the X3)
1 G540 stepper motor controller

I was on the Keling CNC website, (which is a great resource for parts), but I couldn't find the KL23H284-35-4B 387 oz-in steppers on their order page? I left a message with them, but I was curious if anyone on the forum had any knowledge of why they aren't available?

I will be ordering my control computer from this site. We will be running Mach3, and I know that we need parallel ports, but is there anything else to look for in a control computer?

With the learning that will come from this work, I hope to offer much to the forum in the form of this thread and any questions that I can answer. In the mean time I'm sure that I will have many questions, but I'll do my best to search before I post.

We are in the process of ordering all of the necessary components for the conversion as well as modifying our shop to receive the new machines. Any tips on bench construction/modification would be great for a CNC conversion.

What is the best way to purchase Mach3?

We will be going with ball screws, and I will turn them down on the new 10x22, (great ball screw turning videos, scroll down). First I need some good quality tooling for the lathe with good indexable inserts. We will be ordering this quick change tool post. I have to admit that I am a bit unsure as to what tooling to purchase for the lathe. Any help with this would be great! The initial mill tooling will be this set from Little Machine Shop.

When looking into helical connectors to go between the stepper output shaft and the drive screw, do you choose connectors that will accept the OD of the stepper shaft and then turn down your screws to match? This makes sense to me but I want to be sure.

Is it fair to assume that, with attention to detail one can create a CNC machine from these machines that will work well and be reliable over a period of time?

Thank you all for your help now and in the future. More to come soon.

[BobWarfield]

Looks like a lot of work in store to get two machines converted. Will you be using a kit for the mill to speed things up, or just going to do both from scratch?

RE lathe tooling, I like CCMT tooling with 1/2" shanks. Thicker shanks mean a bit more rigidity. I think Grizzly offers this tooling under the Glanze name. Micro 100 also has nice lathe tooling in the CCMT size.

Cheers,

BW

[Matt McColley]

Welcome aboard to the X3 conversion crew....

I too am going with the G540 and the KL23H284-35-4B 387 oz-in motors on all three axis. I ordered the motors from Keling this past week and he responded that he had them in stock and would ship right off. At least one other guy on the zone ordered these motors from him last week as well.

Have you decided whose plan your going with? Or are you going to make up your own?

Good luck with your conversion. Keep us posted as you go.

Matt

[caleb105]

Originally Posted by TacPyro Hello I was on the Keling CNC website, (which is a great resource for parts), but I couldn't find the KL23H284-35-4B 387 oz-in steppers on their order page? I left a message with them, but I was curious if anyone on the forum had any knowledge of why they aren't available?

Check here....2nd motor down from the top:

http://www.kelinginc.net/NEMA23Motor.html

[escott76]

Originally Posted by Matt McColley At least one other guy on the zone ordered these motors from him last week as well.

Yup, I did and they should be here tomorrow. Mine aren't going on an X3, but my homebuilt which is prolly somewhere between the X2 and X3.

[Crevice Reamer]

Originally Posted by TacPyro Items that have been ordered so far: 1 G0602 10x22 lathe 1 G0463 mill (this is the Grizzly version of the X3) 1 G540 stepper motor controller I was on the Keling CNC website, (which is a great resource for parts), but I couldn't find the KL23H284-35-4B 387 oz-in steppers on their order page? I left a message with them, but I was curious if anyone on the forum had any knowledge of why they aren't available?

They are available.

I will be ordering my control computer from this site. We will be running Mach3, and I know that we need parallel ports, but is there anything else to look for in a control computer?

Mach3 needs at least 1 gHz speed--The more the better. Don't buy a computer with Vista OS--It can be flakey with Mach3--Get XP.

What is the best way to purchase Mach3?

Keling offers a discount when you buy it with motors.

When looking into helical connectors to go between the stepper output shaft and the drive screw, do you choose connectors that will accept the OD of the stepper shaft and then turn down your screws to match? This makes sense to me but I want to be sure.

Yes.

Is it fair to assume that, with attention to detail one can create a CNC machine from these machines that will work well and be reliable over a period of time?

Yes. Just keep everything lubed each day. You may want to install hour meters and do maintenance at certain hourly intervals.

You might also REALLY want to look at the CR'S BEST BUY in this category: Novakon CNC ready NM-135 for $3600. While similar, It's a much more rugged machine than X3, with N34 motors, 3/4" ball screws, one touch oiling system Etc.

http://novakon.net/3.html

It will cost you that much to CNC the X3. With the Novakon, all you have to do is plug the motor cables into your controller and computer and start making chips.

AND, you could LEASE it. Which may be a good idea in these times of credit crunch.

CR.

[Crevice Reamer]

Here's a good CNC conversion thread to help CNC your new G602:

Grizzly G0602 10" x 22" Lathe Conversion

CR.

[Matt McColley]

my homebuilt which is prolly somewhere between the X2 and X3.

Dude, your macine is in a class all by it's self!

Don't compare that beauty to any China builds.

[Crevice Reamer]

Here's some video of a Novakon sister mill in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjAS2t9fXxs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RaEThG0I0A&NR=1

CR.

[escott76]

Originally Posted by Matt McColley Dude, your macine is in a class all by it's self! Don't compare that beauty to any China builds.

Thanks, I was just referring to size But your compliment is appreciated.

[TacPyro]

Update:

We have looked into the Novakon NM-135 mill and compared it to a few other X3 style turn key mills. After a bit of research I contacted Novakon and spoke with John, the owner, and Kai, their sails rep to hash out the details of a perspective order. They were very helpful and answered all of our questions. Due to our experiences dealing with them personally, and of course the mill its self, we have decided to place an order with them and cancel our Grizzly X3 mill order. The package that we will order tomorrow is as follows:

1 NM-135 CNC mill
1 CD 100 controller, (4 axes G203 controller)
4th axes rotary table, (sweet!!)
Coolant system
Machine stand
Bob CAM
Mach 3
1 year warranty
Shipping ($700)

The guys were great to deal with, and we look forward to doing business with them in the future.

For the new mill, we will also order the Tormach quick change tooling system. Is the $725 kit worth it?

We are pushing forward with the 10x22 lathe project, and believe it or not, I can't decide which tool I'm more excited about.

These two machines are going to be a invaluable addition to our shop.
Speaking of the shop, we have somewhat retrofitted our working area and only have access to a limited amount of circuits/power, with no option of adding more.
This request may seem a bit off the wall, but how difficult would it be to build a battery bank with 12V deep cycle batteries and run them through an inverter to compensate for some of our power needs during heavy periods power usage? The battery bank would then be charged at night after closing time. Any thoughts on this would be great!

Will the NM-135 (KX3) fit on a 24" deep work bench?

Can one control computer run two machines at once? I'm thinking not.

[Karmaarma]

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