Sherline CNC Lathe rebuild

[Russianwolf]

So, this past weekend I added this guy to my shop



I already have a Sherline lathe and mill so I knew that I was coming out on the good end of the deal even if, as I suspected, the electronics were shot. So now I need to put together a new electronics package for this guy to get it running again.

What I am planning at the moment is something like

Arduino Uno $33 https://www.inventables.com/technolo...o-uno#25063-02
Gshield driver $50 https://www.inventables.com/technolo...hield#25368-03
24v power supply $35
2xStepper Motors with dual shafts similar to these $50-70 https://www.inventables.com/technolo...-motor-nema-23 (possibly a third if the spindle can be turned by one also (there is definitely a second belt going to the spindle but I haven't taken the case apart for a better look yet)
and whatever odds and ends I need to put it all together.

So that would be $200+- for the electronics unless I'm missing something.

then I'd need to think about software to run it. This is where I run into problems as I have no idea what I should be thinking about here.

Any comments? Additions? Recommendations?

This is my first foray into cnc and I'd like it to be a good experience.

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[hanermo]

? what are your goals ?

The proposed solutions will not work well for steel and or plug and play use.
The sw is crictical - and all the good hw is sw specific.

The ideas you reference will likely get you to a working power feed on x and z, and the ability to run under cnc use.
With limited resolution, accuracy, speed and acceleration.

[cyclestart]

What's inside the box in pic #1 ?

[Russianwolf]

From the date on the transformer, this thing was built sometime around 2001.

[Russianwolf]

goal?

looking to get it to make small parts. fairly simple, but threading would be nice.

If I really take to this, then a 4 axis mill may be in the future. Who knows. But for now, want something to play and learn with.

[cyclestart]

Thanks for the pics.
I don't have the foggiest clue to the origins of that controller, maybe someone looking in recognizes ? In any case the technical details are probably
proprietary not to mention whatever software was used.

The route most people here take would be something like this 2 axis kit: (just an example)
2-Axis NEMA23 CNC Kit (36V/9.7A 270 oz-in KL-4030) | Automation Technology Inc
There's cheaper stuff on ebay but some of it is real garbage.

For control software you could go to linuxcnc, excellent and free.
Anyway it's your time and money, explore the options.

Merry Christmas

[Russianwolf]

Well, I finally decided on a Gecko G540 prebuilt system. A little more pricey but I can also use it with the mill if I decide to convert it. Now I just have to find a computer to run it and decide on the software.

[Tkamsker]

Priviet i Run a lathe using linuxcnc and i use itx boards and i test also with an ncbox 186 which should do your Job ,..


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[hanermo]

Good luck.
The G540 will not allow you to disable a single axis.

Threading will likely not work properly with mach3, unless you get a very good single pulse signal. This is harder than it appears.

For learning, this is a great option.
Later, you can always get better gear to any cost level you care to spend.

[Fastest1]

I never had a problem threading with M3. Maybe not good enough for a space program but at least as good as commercially available nuts and bolts from the box and or fastener stores.

The G540 is a proven winner. You did well.

I would run the steppers if they are compatible and see their performance before simply replacing them.

[Russianwolf]

Mentioned my computer need to our IT guy at the office and he brings me one of our old computers that fits the bill that he was decommissioning due to its age..... Works for me.

Tomorrow a quick trip to Radio Shack for some resistors and wire and I should be set to assemble everything.

[Russianwolf]

Computer is up and running with a dual boot system (XP and Linux) with the free version of Mach 3 on the XP system and LinuxCNC on the Linux side. So I will be able to play with both and see which one is better for me.

Now I'll sit down and wire my motors to work with the G540 and put everything together....... Got my resisters from Radio Shack today. Needed 3k, but have to settle for a 2.2k and 470 that I'll put in line.

[Russianwolf]

So I finally got the control panel off to have a better look at the headstock end of the lathe.

It has a US Digital E2 Optical encoder, but the circuitry is beyond me. I seriously doubt that I can simply plug and play it with either M3 or LinuxCNC.

So what are my options for controlling the Spindle speed other than using my digital tach to read it and manually putting that info into the CNC system?

[Tkamsker]

Hi i think it is quite simple using linuxcnc ,..
This link helped me a lot Lathe Spindle Encoder even if i now don't use that approach i use also encoder
i am sure you are aware of this link Lathe User Information

so you need to tell linuxcnc where the spindle is so find out where on the encoder you get an A, B and index signal
this are then configured to pins in linuxcnc then the system is aware of the spindle and can thread

and then i recommend to use the linuxcnc.org forum the guys are very helpful
thomas

[cyclestart]

Nice find (I suspected that when you mentioned the second belt).
With that encoder linuxcnc really is your best bet. With Mach3 you'll be buying more add-ons to make use of it
for threading. The folks on the linuxcnc.org forum can get you sorted out,

Have you tested the latency of that donor computer ?

edit/ There should be a once-per-rev pickup at the spindle as well ?
The pickup won't be at the motor end unless the motor-spindle ratio is 1:1
The software needs to know where to start a thread

[Russianwolf]

thanks guys... I'll post over on LinuxCNC and see what they can advise.

I have not tested the computer for latency.

[Russianwolf]

Well, its alive at least. Still have to dial some things in, but Its up, running and making chips.

One of these days, after I'm more comfortable, I'll figure out what I need to do on the spindle side.

[Fastest1]

You dont need to control the rpm for m3 and threading. You do need to be able to tell the controller each revolution. Mach will compensate for variations in rpms on the next pass. It works well contrary to what others might say.

With a little more investigation of that original circuit, you could probably use the spindle pulse and control the rpms via the G540.

[Fastest1]

Looking at your original controller box, does it have a db25 on the back? I wonder if it isnt a HCNC kit? Open it up and lets look at it. Edit: Damn now I see the pics of the inside. Did you ever try to run it via Mach? I dont know how I missed those earlier pics of the inside of the electronics cabinet. I bet there was an owner between you and the institution it was sold to.

[Russianwolf]

You have to be right. I realized this a couple days back when I looked at the cable coming from the lathe spindle DB9 connector, and no such input on the box. So this is NOT the original controller box.

It only has the one DB25 which should be for the computer although it uses a male connector on the box, so my current cable is a no go (male to male cable). Then 3 6 pin connectors for the steppers and 1 identical 6 pin that may have been for an input, but isn't wired.

I will play with the threading in mach3 once I get back in the shop (too dang cold down there at the moment.)