First post

[yukonho]

oops, sorry, I put a Z instead of an X.

[yukonho]

Some progress. I have all three axes (axii, axis', aaxes; going to have to look that one up) in place and moving well. I installed the leadscrew for the X. Actually it is 1/4-20 threaded rod, which leads me to a question.
I chose 1/4-20 because somewhere early in my research, I read that a TPI count divisible by 10 is a good idea because it works out with the number of steps the steppers have and gives an even ratio between revolutions and linear distance. I have hooked this up to my 1400 RPM drill and at the extreme ends of travel I get a little bit of whip. I think I will be able to eliminate this because I am tensioning the shaft, and was running it with almost no tension during that test. My question lies with my jog speed.
Assuming I can prevent the shaft from whipping at higher RPM's What am I looking at for a max jog speed. I guess in other words I am asking what RPM steppers spin.
You probably need to know some info on the electronics I will be using.
Xylotex 3 axis board running the three steppers they have on sale (116oz/in) I will be giving it 24V at 6.5A and running Mach2 in windows XP.
Some insight into the TPI thing would be great too.
Thanks everyone
co

[balsaman]

With that setup you will get to go 25 to 30" per minute which computes to ~500 rpm. Whip may or may not be a problem at that speed.

1/2-10 is a nice screw to use with those steppers and gets you a bit more speed and still not too much money. Since you got the 1/4-20 in there I would give it a try first.

Eric

[yukonho]

THaks.
So it is a good idea to stay with TPI divisible by 10?
Also, where might I source 1/2-20 threaded rod in Canada? I have not been able to find any yet.
30 IPM isn't so bad, but double that would be great.
P.S. where in Ontario are you? I am visiting my folks in Oakville over the holidays, and if possible, I would appreciate it if I could drop by and see your machine.
co

[balsaman]

I am in Woodstock, between TO and London. Stop in anytime.

You can use any pitch. Devisable by 10 is not a requirement. I use 6 pitch screws.

The Fastener Center has 1/2-10 ACME.

[cnc_fred]

I just bought a Micro Mill from Harbor Freight that I want to CNC.
I'm also looking for a Canadian source for stepper motor controllers.

The only one that I've found so far is:

http://www.technologicalarts.com/myf...2dx/xyzsm.html

Their 3-axis board, with parallel port interface, is $189 US
versus $140 US for Xylotex's 3-axis board ($125 for the board
while it is still on sale, plus $15 S+H).

I'd prefer to buy Canadian because once I get the mill ready
to CNC, I'd rather not wait the 3-4 weeks (or longer!) that
it takes for US Air Mail to get delivered. (That's how long the last couple of items that I ordered from the USA took to get to me.)

[yukonho]

I cant comment much on that board except to say that it is a chopper which is desirable. Remember, what you may pay extra for in canada will be offset by customs charges, so there probably wont be too much of a price difference.
When possible, I buy Canadian as well.
co

[yukonho]

It has been a while since I posted anything, I was waiting for my electronics.
Well, the 3 axis Xylotex board and 3 steppers and other various stuff arrived! I was surprised at how small everything was. Super cool though. I have to spend some time and hook it all up and mount the motors now. I unfortunately have a project or two to do before this, but hopefully in a week or so it will be done.
I already have a couple of projects programmed and ready to run once I get it up and running.
I will keep you posted and post some pics now that my digital camera arrived for christmas. oooeee lots of new toys
co

[yukonho]

Well, now I am just waiting for the 24V power supply. I have the motors mounted and the limit and home switches in place. (switches are not wired up yet) Just waiting to plug those 24 volts in and let er rip.
The wait is killng me.
co