Newbie- CNC Rebiuld

[smallss]

Try to keep in mind this is my first attempt at getting into something like this.

first off i have a denford starmill that was given to me because its old electronics are junk basically and do not work. This small machine has a atc on it that supports 3 tools (it is a mini mill), and I was wondering if it is possible to use a g-rex g100 with 3 g212's and some sort of plc (most likely and allen bradly) to control the stepper motors and the atc. I dont have any experience with rebuilding machines, but I do have some in running them, and programming them. I am a Vincennes University student majoring in injection molding and cnc programming. Im going to start investing as soon as i get my tax return, and I want to finish this project to get a better understanding on how a cnc works at it core. I have been trying to find information of this machine for some time now, but denford doesn't have any information on it. I figured it would be my best bet to completely redo all of the electronics. When it is completed I want to be able to have all of the origional functionallity such as the variable speed spindle, and the tool changer all controled through a easy to use interface such as mach 3.

[mikemill]

Hi Smallss

I converted a Denford Orac lathe with no proir experiance, and its not as daunting as it sounds. The basics as follows, you can use the existing power supply to your motors you need a breakout board like a C11 from CNC4pc and power supply, three drivers from Geeko just match the voltage from supply, you might be able to use current spindle RPM sensor for your speed. Draw out on paper all your wire connections so you understand the process, that will save you frying your electronics, also both suppliers metioned have VG support. The most difficult bit is configureing to Mach, read the manual a few times to get familier with setup.

Good Luck

Mike

[smallss]

im sorry if this seems like a dumb question but what is VG support?

[mikemill]

VG is short for very good

[Phil Gravett]

Have you made any progress with your Starmill ? I have one that I am trying to get to talk to computer, so far no joy. I am definitely going to update the drivers etc but am not sure which route to take.
Phil.

[mikemill]

There are two ways to get old Denford CNC machine tools working, you can fiddle around with origional electronics using Denford site for help, or you junk old electronics, install new and use afordable software such as Mach3, a rout most small users use. Follow steps as in ealier post, if you understand basic electronics wiring up is strait forward, the more complicated part is configuring to Mach, download the online manual, if you get stuck use thier support or this site for assistance. Most satisfing when you get it working.
Good Luck

Mike

[adbradley]

I just aquired a Denford Orac, is it possible to control it with mach3 without adding any breakout boards or anything??

Adam

[mikemill]

Adam

As you have probably guessed the answer is NO, the Orac was designed before current PC standards were all logic works on +5V so if you want to control the lathe via Mach you will have to replace the boards.
Belive me it's not as daunting as it sounds look at previous post for overview

Good Luck

Mike

[adbradley]

Thanx Mike, i guess i will start pulling out the guts, i was playing with it last night, and one of the drivers is bad.

[mikemill]

Adam

Don't forget to keep the power supply to the stepper motors!!!!

Mike

[adbradley]

This thing has a lot of guts, its gonna take some digging for me to figure out what p/s is for the steppers.

I also need some advice for using the stock spindle motor but control it with mach3, i know i need a vfd but thats about all i know

[mikemill]

Adam

Before you remove any parts or buy any items make a schematic drawing so you sure as to what you are doing. The basics are, p/s to motors identified by the two large capacitors, find output and check with meter should read around 70V dc. Identify motor and travel stop leads all the rest is junk. You need a breakout board and p/s and two motor drivers to take 70V and a VFD.
Follow instuctions with the parts you buy and understand them, if you are not sure contact the repective support. thats what they are there for. One tip put a low amp fuse on motor p/s output.

Good Luck

Mike