From Manuel to CNC Bridgeport

[silentool]

Hi.

Finally, a project going one for a year, I managed to get my fathers old Bridgeport mill up runnning as a CNC mill.
The CNCZONE have been usefull, as I had no experience what so ever in the building of such a system.
I bought the from internet, lookign for the best prices but still easy function. (Low-cost budget).
I ended up with: 38V trafo (Running 2amps (Max 3 on the boards). Ratio of gear belt 40/15 on NEMA23 425 oz-in stepper motor. Motors and driveboards I got on eBay from USA. I also bought new ball screws (16mm pitch 2.5mm) from England, as the original screws had high wear (Big back-lash). The software I got is Quickstep3. The computer, an old COMPAQ P2 (700mhz) with win98 that I have had stored away for many years.
I am trilled, the machine runs absolutely well. It is not a high speed machine, as the goal was to get it up running CNC for a low cost.

I will go for steel later, but the machine will be used in wood. I have in mind buying a SYIL X4 for the steel work.

I can attach pictures of the motors etc later, if of any interrest.

Silentool

[SCzEngrgGroup]

If you're going to use wood, expect problems. The sawdust WILL get into EVERYTHING, and WILL crud up your ballscrews in short order. Clean up the machine EVERY day, as the acids in some woods WILL rust and stain the machine in a matter of hours, especially if there is any moisture.

Regards,
Ray L.