possible cnc conversion on homier mini mill

[WsW-WYATT]

i am new to the site ... and to the home shop ... i have been working around and on shop equipment since high school (almost 14 years) but never did any serious milling or lathe work ... well now i have a speedway lathe from homier and a mini mill from homier also ... same mill that JFettig has and converted ... i had no prior thoughts of a cnc conversion until i stumbled across this site ... i been doing alot of reading and tell you the truth i am lost ...

lets start with the basic questions ...

what is the difference between step motors and servos ??

why convert from gears to belt drive ???

what is the approximate cost of conversion ???

how long does the conversion take about ??

thanks ... there will be more i am sure ...

i am truely impressed with the vast knowledge in these forums !!!

you guys are awesome in the things you do ....

[CNCadmin]

Q-what is the difference between step motors and servos??

A-Resolution and holding power

Q-Why convert from gears to belt drive???

A-If your using stepper motor belt drive will allow you to take advantage of
the torque of the motors.

Q-What is the approximate cost of conversion???

A- that depends on what you do, I would guess anywhere from 300-1,000.

Q-How long does the conversion take about??

A- That depends on what you convert, I would guess 40hrs +

[WsW-WYATT]

quick reply ... thanks ...

ok questions on questions ...

resolution and holding power ??? i take it the servo is a better way to go from my reading .. but the servo is also much more $$$


now as i said before i have the same homier mill as JFettig does and i can do the same thing as he can and run the mill at top speed and grab the spindle and have the motor overload and shut down .... will i gain anything from belt drive conversion ???

[kong]

Wsw-Wyatt, a good place for ideas and info is http://www.homecnc.info/ The mill jeff converted is probably alot bigger than yours, but there's plenty of good reading on his site.