New Machine Build- X2 Conversion to CNC

[DarkDesigns]

Planning a build to convert an X2 Mill to CNC

Have PK266 03A Steppers (Freebies)

Need recomendation on drivers, control software, etc etc

Mechanics I can handle, electronics......

20+ years in packaging equipment machine design.

I understand the concepts, just looking to do it cheaply as a hobby.

Speed isn't the goal, it's a small reliable CNC machine that I want to build.

The understanding of the different types of drivers, software, and set-up is the information I wish to learn....

Any help would be greatly appreciated

[ZOB]

For control software I don't see how you can beat Mach3
http://www.machsupport.com/

[Crevice Reamer]

Hi DarkDesigns. Welcome to the Zone!

Unfortunately, your free 125 oz motors are not powerful enough for the X2.

This is the electronics I would recommend for you:

$289 G540 http://geckodrive.com/product.aspx?c=3&i=14469
$147 Three $49 KL23H2100-35-4B 381 oz motors for X, Y & Z
$060 One KL-350-48 48V/7.3A power supply.
$010 Estop switch
$007 3 Home switches
$009 Straight thru parallel computer cable.
-------
$522

http://kelinginc.net/index.html

The 381s are in production and should be available soon. If you can't wait, get 3 KL23H284-35-4B 387 oz. They will work almost as well.

If you don't want to make your own drive cables, these motors come WITH the cables and current set resistors already installed. I think the cables are just a little short though:

http://cncrouterparts.com/product_in...ahst6mjdph4nm0

You will also need some other stuff:

You can use THIS wire for motor cables and home/limit switches. Ground the drain wire ONLY at the driver end. (Pins 3,4,5 for motors, PSU Ground for homes/limits)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Stepper-Motor-Wi...item45ecb75966

It also comes in 100 ft roll.

BELDEN 8723-100 STEPPER MOTOR CABLE WIRE

$32 http://www.fullcompass.com/product/305455.html 3 WK SHP

$33? http://www.jameco.com/Jameco/catalogs/c273/P101.pdf

$38 http://www.mcmelectronics.com/produc...100-/36F1033WA

$39 http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/sto...oductId=734180

$40 http://www.markertek.com/Product.asp...&utm_campaign=

$44 http://www.alliedelec.com/Search/Pro...SC=8723+060100

EUROPE http://www.cable-world.co.uk/online.htm


You won't need any db9 motor connectors with the G540, as they come WITH it. The G540 also has circuitry for simple spindle speed control and outputs for dc relays to turn coolant pump (Or router motor) on or off.

These inexpensive relays are very good :

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.a...tname=electric

You will need one of THESE 1/4 Watt 3.48K resistors for each 381 or 387:

3.48KXBK-ND

They only come in a pack of five, so about $1 for 10. With shipping it's about $3.50

http://digikey.com/

Or, in Canada:

http://digikey.ca/

You will also need an estop switch, Home/limit switches, Helical couplings and a 6 foot "straight thru parallel port cable. These are all available from Keling:

http://kelinginc.net/CNCPackage.html

The G540 is so small that many are mounting theirs INSIDE the computer case.

Camtronics has a case MADE for the G540:

http://s120220635.onlinehome.us/stepper-components.asp

CR.

[Dougal]

I think your 125's could work, but they'll be very very slow.
The stock lead screws are much finer pitch than the ball screws I'm running, so your motor torque provides more thrust. But the torque drops further with speed so your cutting feeds will be much reduced.

Here's a list of questions people shouild have asked me when I started. The answers dictate what direction your machine build should head in.

Do you have access to CNC your conversion pieces? Manual mill or buy everything?
What do you plan to cut with this machine when done?
Will stock travel be enough?
What stiffness do you require?
What accuracy are you happy with?
Are you more worried about 2D machining (profiling), 2.5D (pocketing/engraving) or 3D surfacing?
What are your CAM requirements?
How much workspace do you have?
Laptop or desktop control?
Is this a project in itself or a tool to help with other projects?

[kanton]

Crevice Reamer,

Excellent post except for this:"These inexpensive relays are very good :http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.as...tname=electric".

I get an error message when I click on the link. What relays were you talking about?

Also is it OK to use an old computer case for the G540 enclosure?

[jalessi]

DarkDesigns,


I totally agree with Crevice Reamer's advice about the PK266 03A steppers, they are severely under powered for a X2.

They might work if you used a 20 tpi screw however the performance would be pitiful.

See the attached link for a good deal on a solid state relay.

http://tinyurl.com/yzzvpwb

Jeff...

[Crevice Reamer]

Originally Posted by kanton Crevice Reamer, Excellent post except for this:"These inexpensive relays are very good :http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.as...tname=electric". I get an error message when I click on the link. What relays were you talking about? Also is it OK to use an old computer case for the G540 enclosure?

Hi kanton. I fixed the link. Sorry about that.

Yes, you can use any case you want.

Thanks Jeff! That is a good relay deal. EXCEPT: Watch the shipping. It is $6 for EACH relay you buy.

CR.