Newbie needs help!!!

[bwhite505]

Hello all,

I purchased two used Techno Isel CNC routers at an auction this weekend. The control units and computers are missing. The units are in excellent shape and the stepper motors are present. All of the connecting cables from the stepper motors are present with the exception of one.

CNC routing is something I have been wanting to try for a while but have been unable due to cost. My question is what would it take to build a new control system for the routers? How difficult would it be? Approximately how much would it cost to get these up and running? If anyone could point me in the right direction I would be grateful.

Thanks,

Brian

[Benonymous]

You will need some motor controllers, Gecko is the most popular. Then a Mach 3 compatible interface between the computer and motor controllers. Price $? There are a bunch of suppliers who advertise on here who will provide you with prices. Do the machines have tool spindles or routers already on them?

[bwhite505]

They have Porter Cable routers mounted in them. I will try and post some photos and dimensions of them when I get off duty Friday.

[Jesse B]

Depending on your budget, you have a multitude of options. Generally speaking, the most popular budget setup would be Gecko Drivers and some Stepper motors from pretty much anywhere (KelingINC, HobbyCNC, FLA, etc.). On top of that you'll need a power supply, as well as some other miscellaneous items. Posting how much you'd like to spend, as well as some dimensions and whatnot will help us help you further.

[bwhite505]

I had some free time today to take some photos and measurements. I put the photos on my website in a zip file. Easier to download.

They can be downloaded here: http://www.blwphotos.com/private/cnc.zip

The small router measurements are as follows:

Table 29 1/2"w x 34 1/8 with 21 1/2" x 20" travel
Gantry has 19 5/8" between table and bottom of gantry 14 1/8" travel between table and collet on router.

The large table measures:

Table 39 3/8"w x 53 3/4" with 31 1/2" x 34 1/4" travel

Gantry is same as small one.


The routers are Porter Cable model 75182 120v 10,000-21,000 RPM.

The stepper motor that I took off has the following on it:

Isel 2 phase stepmotor
Model 473030
Type ECM268-E2.8b-1
1.8 deg/step DC 2.8v UNI 2.8A BI 4.0A

The motor on the Z axis looks bigger but I did not take it off. (out of time)

I have been reading a lot. I get the impression that it would be best to replace the steppers. I don't know which would be best steppers or servos. Obviously cost will be an issue.

As for what I will do with the router sky's the limit part cutting, 3d carving, sign making ect.. mostly from wood, corian, plastics. Probably not much metal. My wife is a teacher and already has a million can you make something like this requests.

With so much clearance on the Z axis I though about maybe adding a fourth axis rotary table. I am getting way ahead of myself skill wise but I figure it was probably easier to add now rather than later.

Let me know what you think the best move would be.

Thanks,

Brian

[lunchtrayrider]

steppers should be fine. just get some gecko drivers to run them.