My first post: rj

[rjnewbould]

Hello all..

I'm rj newbould, www.newbould.com, and I'm new here.

History: In November I'll be in the trade for 54 years. Started my own shop in 1965. Tool & die, and mold making. Came out in 1974 with the Newbould Indexer and have been making my own products ever since. Work holding spindles, Indexers, and special work-holding tools. I make high precision tools for high precision machining, and am now in a very active semi-retirement.

I've owned several CNC machines (none at present) and just made and delivered a CNC controlled indexing air spindle for WEDM to a major customer (large company). I used an Aerotech frameless servo motor with an Aerotech controller coupled with a Renishaw encoder for the job. It worked very well.

I'm now embarked on a quest to learn how to make/assemble my own CNC equipment using whetever off the shelf electronics. I need to learn from the basics on up, of how to do that.

I would like to understand HOW each component functions so I can design the best overall system for various projects.

I could use a CNC for Dummies type book..

Someone in another forum suggested this one as a good place to hang out and learn, so here I am.. ready or not....

[rjnewbould]

I have a Newall DRO on my mill.. Can that be used as the encoder for a servo drive positioner?

[jeep534]

here Is a site detailing a retrofit on a mill drill. all of the controls are the same reguardless of the size of the mill
http://imageevent.com/tppjr/rf45dove...p2lr71.zebra_s

Happy Hunting
archie =) =) =)

[jeep534]

regular encoders attached to ball screws for a servo system is the prefered way to go. ( steppers do not use encoders) also there are all types and sizes of machine's running "hobbyist" controllers.
give us a better Idea of where you are wanting to go with this. I.E. Mill Drill,Knee mill, bed mill with tool changer ect...

Happy Hunting
archie =) =) =)

[ViperTX]

Well actually encoder coupled to ball screw is the cheapest way to go.

You can use the glass scales from your DRO and it should be a much more accurate syatem. The accuracy being determined by the actually movement of the table....sort of compensates for any backlash due to the ballscrews....

Oh, forgot congrats on your first post and Welcome!

[rjnewbould]

Thanks for the welcome Viper. Jeep, it's a series I Bridgeport Mill. I'll check on the link you gave. Thanks

The Newall scales are a series of balls in a tube, but the end result is basically the same as a glass scale but without the contamination risk.

I know they use Newall scales as an encoder on some ProtoTrak mills so it should be doable, I just don't know how to do the hookup yet.

As of now, I'm planning to use Mach3 as a controller.

[jeep534]

Rockford Ball Screws has a complete ballscrew retrofit kit for the X and Y which includes the Yoke and 2 screws.....
If I were doing a bridgeport I woud be looking hard at cncing the knee.
I am just getting started on a retrofit of a Lagun cnc mill.
I am planning on using existing servo's and powersupplies,Mach3, rutex drives and touch screen.
dragging home pictures posted here www.jeep534.smugmug.com
all the usual disclaimers
Happy Hunting
archie =) =) =)

[rjnewbould]

Funny you should mention Rockford Ball Screw.. I just got a quote of $700 from Dave there for the kit.

I agree about the knee. My C80 is only a 2 axis, so I would need to do something to add the third on the knee. I'm not sure how, but it should be doable.

It's an old mill and not in the best of shape, but it's good enough for now at least.

I'll go look at your pics.

[rjnewbould]

Jeep.... Many thanks for doing your time over there.