2UVR to CNC

[Adobe Machine]

Done that , been there, could never get better than 0.010 and sometimes worse..But that depends on your goals and needs . I just could not machine with that much backlash, therefore did a "work around" with the enclosure, re-loaded a 3/4" ball nut for almost 0 back lash, used good Bardin Bearings for the fixed rigid end and a sealed bearing for the simple end..Took some time, but I'm pleased with the results..Still hold less than 0.001 in both directions, which means I can use my electronic tool setter and machine pockets withen specs. Cost ? about $540.00 total..Includes the servo, ball screw and nut, oversize balls (0.0006), alum for the timing pullys that I machined, a belt, nuts, bolts , locating pins, and bearings.

I took a lot more time trying to "rig" a system that as I said above would yield +-0.010 while machining,than setting the system up correctly in 1st place.

You could even use a 3/4" clamp at the bottom of the quill as a starting point and only lose 3/4" inch, and if you have the knee motorized, use that for placement of the Z-, which could give you about 21 " total usable Z. I had a single axis old DRO ( I crushed the other axis from DUMB, and could not find a replacement sender due to age of the DRO) for the Knee, and can locate+-0.001, then touch off the quill for machining.

The only limitation of this machine is the Quick switch 200..3/4 is maxium end mill size, I do use a 5 insert, 2 1/4 " mill for surfacing, but can not get real agressive as in using a cat 40 or 40 tooling system.

Adobe (old asa dirt)

[Stinson_Voyager]

I've been using my mill quite a bit - love it.
The time has come for CNC. I spent quite awhile mulling over an approach and finally settled on a plan.
- Replace both X and Y acme screws with ball screws and nuts.
This is a big job as I could not locate direct replacements. I bought new ball screws designed for Bridgeport Mills and made new castings for the table to replace the originals that will allow them to fit.
- Power and control the knee for Z axis.
After trying a couple of different approaches I decided to forget trying to power the quill.
I'll be using Mach3/Quantum for software, a Galil controller, DC Brushed Servos on the X & Y axis, an AC servo on the Knee, and a Stepper on the rotary table for A.
Progress pics are on my web site at: http://www.stinsonvoyager.com/Tree%2...tm#CNC_Upgrade