Can I use this motion controller to make cnc router?

[Clasic31]

Hi everyone. I'm looking to put together a router system. I came across a used automated machine that has a PMAC-Lite board controlling multiple axis on the machine. http://www.deltatau.com/products/boards/pci1lite.htm The unit has three electric cylinders which use servo motors. I guess my question is: Will this item work for a cnc router? If so, would I still be better off going with a simpler controller beings that I am a newby to cnc? Any insight that you may be able to share will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[balsaman]

I think that board puts out +/- 10 volts to drive servo drives, which drive servo motors. I don't think you can drive motors directly with that thing.

I would go with a simpler setup.

Eric

[Clasic31]

Thanks Balsaman. I forgot to mention that it also has several brushless servo amplifiers made by Advanced Motion Controls. Would this make any difference in your opinion? Thanks again.

[balsaman]

Ok well you would still need the motors. Also do you know how to make a gcode drive it? I am not sure what software you would use. None of the cheap packages out there will work that I know of.

Eric

[Clasic31]

That's a real grey area to me. Are g-code programs written for just a specific piece of hardware or pretty universal? I think the servo motors that are bolted onto the electric cylinders might work if I seperate them from the cylinders. They are Danaher NEMA 23 brushless servo motors with a continuous stall torque of 160 oz-in. ( I only know this because I found a data sheet for it online.) Do these sound like they would be strong enough or of the correct type? Thanks again.

[Scott_bob]

I wonder about the speed of machining wood...
Its got to be really fast, right?

The thing about going really fast is you need the right stuff.

check out this site, they helped develope the DaltaTau control you're lookin at.
Get yourself a quote from these guys, it won't be that much.
Especially if you calculate the cost to benefit ratio of being able to go really fast.

Let us know what you do...

Regards,
Scott

[Clasic31]

Hi Scott thanks for the post. Speed isn't a priority to me, but if I can do it with precision I'm all for it. I didn't see a link or address on your reply for the site you said to check out. I'm just trying to figure out if it is worth getting this machine to hack these parts from. No sense to buy it no matter how cheap it is if it's not going to work. Thanks again.

[Scott_bob]

opps, It is:

http://www.sdecnc.com/control.html

If you are looking for the cheapest, then you might check out:

http://www.centroidcnc.com/

But the DeltaTau stuff is excellant, and a bit cheaper than the Rubicon below...

A great supplier on your side of the country is:

http://www.docmachine.com/

Their Rubicon control is the best at high speed accurate motion control.

If you are using your machine for production, and time is valueable, then I think the better your control is at high speed it will pay for itself, and you won't regret spending a bit more...

Regards,
Scott