Denford Orac Conversion to MACH3

[adbradley]

I just aquired a Denford Orac lathe, and it seems to have a bad controller. I think id rather convert it to full MACH3 control. I have ready most of the threads i could find on other peoples experiance doing this, and they all seem to have used Gecko drives and a breakout board like the ones sold at cnc4pc.com This seems to be an expensive route. I was wondering if the controller sold at www.hobbycnc.com would work in this application.

I am also quite confused on how to setup the spindle drive motor to work with MACH3. I know i will need a DVM, but i dont know much about them.

Any help would be great.

Thanx

Adam

[mikemill]

Adam

If you want to use the Orac stepper motors they run at 70V dc so your drivers need to match.
You say the parts are expencive I don't know how much you paid for the Orac but a set of new electronics THAT WORK will set you back 700-800 usd, as long as you paid sensable money to buy the lathe, when you add up to get bottom line, were else can you get a real CNC lathe ( not a conversion) for that price.

Mike

[adbradley]

That is very true, i just looked and that board can only handle 36v

[adbradley]

Can you give me a a sugestion on what VFD to use? I know it needs to have an output of 380v and 3 phase, but thats all i know, anyone?

adam

[mikemill]

I used a Mittsubushi VFD the smallest in there range, ebay is a good source or just google for your local motor control dealer.

Mike