making a lathe machine from scratch with linuxcnc

[jctots]

hello

just had a university project to revive a lathe machine, and to control it on a computer, and my adviser asked my to learn linux cnc to control it.

just browsed the user manuals, somehow read the HAL, but i don't know where to start.

i can already control the three stepper motors (xyz) using a microcontroller and L297-L298 with a pushbutton. i also downloaded the ubuntu with linux cnc.

i dont think its just easy as connecting the inputs of my L297 to a parallel port and connect it on a PC, buts that just what i want to do first.

can anyone help me? just a step-by-step what to do. thanks for the help in advance.

[acondit]

Look in the Mini Lathe forum. Several of us have converted manual lathes to cnc. I am using emc2 on linux to control mine. http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37656

However, you can get good ideas on the mechanical side by looking at several of the conversions.

Alan

[jctots]

hello alan! thanks for the link...

im already finished on the setup.. just need to interface the lathe to the PC. do anyone know how will i connect the motor drivers to a parallel port? so i can attach it on a PC?

i never thought that there will be a fast response on my first post... again thanks in advance!

[acondit]

Originally Posted by jctots hello alan! thanks for the link... im already finished on the setup.. just need to interface the lathe to the PC. do anyone know how will i connect the motor drivers to a parallel port? so i can attach it on a PC? i never thought that there will be a fast response on my first post... again thanks in advance!

Generally speaking, I would suggest using an opto-isolated breakout board (to protect the pc in event of nasties).

Then you need to configure the ini files to match your assigned step and dir pins. Set your max velocity, acceleration, etc.

You should download the emc2 user manual and read the section on configuring your machine.

Alan