New Machine Build- HMB-1 retrofit

[jhoward]

I have an old Hurco HMB-1 that I bought to do a retrofit on. I joined this site to get insight into this project form people who have done a similar one. Any advice would be great. Hardware, Software, what you used form the origional machine, what you threw away etc.

Thanks

jh

[DRD]

I would be looking at a Ajax CNC kit, it's a true DC servo system, a great bang for the dollar. You should be able to use the DC servo motors that are on the mill right now.

Try to stay away from these low cost hobby controllers, with steppers, or step driven wana be servo drivers. If you go this way, be prepared to spent alot of time to get it right. Look at the post on this board, you will find a problem post every were on these Hobby controllers, and stepper, step servo drivers. As they say, you get what you pay for.

Good luck.

[jhoward]

Good advice thanks. I've heard about Ajax I'll check them out.

jh

[jeep534]

I am not sure that I agree with DRD I have a friend who Bought a Higher end retrofit system (camsoft )and has yet to get it working properly on a Bridgeport series II boss machine. I am In the process of retrofitting a series 1 Bridgeport Boss R2E4 Machine. I am working out of town A-LOT and My Progress Is agonizingly slow. I am re-using my DC SERVO Motors.Encoders, Limit Switches and Not Much else from the original electronics. I am going to use Mach3, Smooth stepper,CNC4pc Breakout boards, and Larkin Viper Servo Drives. I am not 100 percent sure which VFD I am going to use to drive the spindle. This machine is in my garage and will be running on 220 volts single phase.
You might want to take a look at this. http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52696

My Junk Is posted here http://jeep534.smugmug.com and the Lagun mill that is there is still setting in the wings (Bridgeport steel is in a lot better shape) but is very similar to the bridgeport.

Let me know if you have any specific Questions.

On a side note On DRD's Sig line it says 5 Axis cnc machine His take on things may be a little different than Mine or Yours..... I really Want a Hurco VM3 but do not have 60K ratteling around in my pocket.

Happy Hunting
archie =) =) =)

[jhoward]

Thanks for your interest.
Is this system you are using a package deal from somewhere or are you putting it together?

I'll be interested in the spindle drive you choose, I'll need one as well.

The only thing I don't like about your Bridgeport is that it's not mine. I looked for a Bp. before I bought the Hurco but there aren't many out here on the west coast.

jh

[jeep534]

Originally Posted by jhoward Thanks for your interest. Is this system you are using a package deal from somewhere or are you putting it together? I'll be interested in the spindle drive you choose, I'll need one as well. The only thing I don't like about your Bridgeport is that it's not mine. I looked for a Bp. before I bought the Hurco but there aren't many out here on the west coast. jh

I am Putting My retrofit together.
Mach 3 is Motion control software that allows a PC to be used to control various types of computer controlled machines.

Is your machine a HMB-1 or a KMB-1 I don't believe I have seen a HMB-1 and Is it already a cnc machine.

as for packaged Mach3 systems or parts (nice Human interface) take a look at www.Machmotion.com .

My post in another thread

Originally Posted by jeep534 I for myself think I understand it a little bit........mach3 will drive servo or stepper drives (my Main focus has been dc brush servo's) the larger machines which are most commonly available for retrofit are 3 axis dc servo machines. I have 2 which are very similar. a Bridgeport boss machine and a Lagun 40 taper 3 axis cnc machine. Gecko's will not run this class of machine 140 volt 14 amp continus dc servo's (peak draw 52 amps) currently there are 3 brands of servo controllers available (that I am aware of ) rutex, Larkin-Viper and Glentek. Glentek only wants to sell servo and drive packages setup to run with Mach. the Rutex don't seem to have enough capicity at this level which leaves the Larkin Viper servo drives. which I plan to use on the Bridgeport boss machine I am currently working on. the closed loop question is a little different one. the servo's are closed loop back to the servo drive and In larkin's case they have a soft alarm that can be fed back to the software to allow the control to know there is a problem before it crashes the system. so mach 3 is not a true closed loop software it can run servo drives that will let the software know when they are being driven too hard. also mach3 has been made to run with the galil cards which closes the loop back to the controller card in the computer. In non Industrial setting I feel like that the mach system running on a knee mill is a much better system than the industry standard Prototrak systems which have probably cut a half a billion parts or more. for me this has been a learning experience. I feel the support forums are the one plus that none of the other systems have or can come anywhere close to I hope this helps muddy the water even More =-) Happy Hunting archie =) =) =)

http://www.machsupport.com/

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/ind...ic,5944.0.html

My Machine
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/ind...ic,6078.0.html

The mach forum on cnc zone
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/mach_software_artsoft_software/



This is an entertainign thread as well
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/ind...pic,970.0.html


This should give you a little bit to chomp on for a while,
Let me Know if I you have any specific questions I might be able to answer.

as a side note Mach3 PC Control has a bunch of things that cost a ton of money on a Industrial control. just having a network connection on a new Hurco VM-1 is over a thousand dollars.

Happy Hunting
archie =) =) =)

[jhoward]

Allot to digest here

thanks

jh

[jeep534]

Originally Posted by jhoward Allot to digest here thanks jh

Yes and a ton more......
I have updated my web site. with a bunch of new pictures and captions.
the slideshow feature works well if you have a fast connection.
http://jeep534.smugmug.com/gallery/5...07649501_owpex

I am planning to use a Hitachi sj200 VFD which was recommended by another Mach user. who is running the same class of mill.

Happy Hunting
archie =) =) =)