Newbie- X and Y only

[rnr107]

Hi all,
Is it possible to use Mach3 to control a Milling machine with only X & Y CNC ?
(Z being manual)

If yes, how is it done? Does mach3 let the operator knows it needs to move the Z axes and wait? Or... ???

Thank you

RNR

[M250cnc]

RNR

Yes it is possible, you would put an optional M01 stop in the code

Do the Z move, then press start to continue.

Not the best way to use the machine.

Phil

[rnr107]

Hi M250cnc,
I know... Not ideal solution...
But I really don't know ow to CNC my Z axes. It is not moved by a leading screw.
If you know anybody who own a XJ12-300 with Retro-fit CNC who can tell me exactly how to do it, I'll be happy to have CNC on 3 axes, believe me!

RNR

[M250cnc]

RNR

If it moves "The Z Axis" then it can be CNC'ed

The complexity depends on the original design of the machine

I looked at some pictures but i cannot see all that i need to see

Maybe you could post some pictures ?

Phil

[SORCHEROR]

that machine is basically an X-2 sieg,you remove the rack and the handle wheel
on the side,most people attach the bracket for the ball or lead nut to the head
right where the handle wheel is,theres a large hole which you could use 1/2 screw to bolt the bracket with and two smaller screws next to it,the screw and motor mount bracket attach on top,go onto the cnc fusion web site,they sell that kit,or at least you can see what im talking about

[rnr107]

M250cnc,
I can post any pictures you want...No problem. What part / angle do you need to see?

SORCHEROR,
I already emailled CNC_Fusion, they told me there kit would not fit the XJ12-300. It is not a other SIEG X2. It looks similar, but it is not the same. The X axes is longer, the colum is wider and the screw holes cncfusion use on the X2 are not located at the exact same place...

RNR

[SORCHEROR]

im sorry,i thought you wnated to make it yourself and just needed ideas,thats why i mentioned cnc fusion,they have great pics,it is basically an x2,your right its bigger,but i do see the same rack and hand wheel,maybe those are the same,let me get more facts,do you currently have x and y cnc'ed already?
secondly,do you want ballscrews or lead screws?i would be interested in making a kit for that machine if i could get all the dimensions

[rnr107]

SORCHEROR,
I just got this Mill, The last time I used a mill it was in coledge and it was a B.P.
So, what I mean is, I am far from being good enought to do a CNC Kit myself ;-)
But cnc fusion stepper holder should be usable I guess....
(The mill is fully manual right now, no CNC)

If you need dimension to make a kit... no problem I can give you any dimensions you need...
For the screws, It depend on the price... Ballscrews are expenssive... If I can afford it, I'd love to have ballscrews. But, I may have to just keep the stock lead screws (they are not bad...)

wildwestpat own the same machine and he actually drawn some parts already, check this post: (he attached some pdfs for me there)
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101763

RNR

[Southbend Sam]

I have a similar question so I will try this thread. I am considering the purchase of a Bridgeport mill with an older Anilam 2 axis CNC control. I would retrofit the mill with Mach 3. Is there a way to make Mach pause when it encounters a Z command besides manually entering an M1 every time a Z appears? Also, the Z axis has a glass scale which reads out on the Anilam display. Is there a way to connect this scale to Mach 3 so it will display on the Mach display?