Newbie asks general CNC build questions

[kdeshazer]

I am a newbie and this might not even be the correct forum for my question but I am sure someone will direct me. I am an manufacturing engineer and have built automatic machines for the last few years utilizing plc controls and have had good success.

At home I have 10x54 bridgeport clone mill that I am considering adding CNC controls to. I have considered the larger table-top units but I must have 14 to 15 inches of travel in Y and that’s hard to find in a machine that is sturdy and has low speed spindle torque for steel cutting. Maybe someone can recommend a turnkey machine that I don’t know about.

I know that CNC Masters makes a retrofit kit that will fit my machine but I can find little information as to whether they utilize quality components and how well they work. I don’t see where they have any forum space dedicated to their products here at CNCzone and that surprises me. The retrofit kit is certainly expensive (and ugly) at $5,248.

I am willing to buy electronic components as well as servo/steppers and assemble a unit for myself but I need help from those who have gone this way before. Is it worth the bother or should I just buy a kit? Does someone besides CNC Masters make a good retrofit kit? And finally, is this even the right forum to ask for help?