Tsugami spl cnc conversion using DSPMC/ip controller

[TOTALLYRC]

More pictures to go with more progress.

Layout of the electrical cabinet backplane after laying out the components.



General overview of the installed components.



Full view of the backplane with almost everything installed.



More to come.

Mike

[TOTALLYRC]

I have installed the backplane in the original control cabinet.
It went together well. All that needs to be done as far as the major install is to build a cabinet extender to allow the door to close. 1.5" should be enough as a off the cuff guess but I can go 2" or 3" without any problems.


I was just able to run the spindle under cnc control. Very cool. Variable speed and FWD/REV work well. I had to use a 2.5 second delay on the deccel to prevent over voltage trip out.

Next step is to fit the encoders to modify the motors for encoders.

Mike.

[TOTALLYRC]

As I am working on the lathe I keep thinking about the backlash and have decided that the lash in the Z is too much.
I don't want to have to do this twice so I am taking a second look on how the Z and the X will be driven.

I have seen how some CNC lathes use a ball screw parallel to the Z axis. Taking a good look at the T-slot for the Z axis stop I have decided to investigate mounting the bearing mounts to the T-slot area and mounting the ballscrew nut to the backside of the apron.

I decided to take the plunge and remove the apron to see if the boss that was in the way would come off. An hour later and the apron is on the bench. The boss actually houses the gears for driving the Z conventionally.
This looks very doable and I will take measurements and a stab at drawing the part in the next few days. Since this weekend is Presidents day and I have a three day weekend I should be able to make real progress.

Mike

[TOTALLYRC]

I was able to get the apron stripped down and cleaned.
After removing everything not needed for the cnc conversion it looks like this will work out real well. The X axis screw is going to replicate the manual screw as the manual screw was held in place by some real nice bearings.
The Z axis is going to be parallel to the Z axis and will be mounted in some nice steel blocks, floating on the spindle end and retained at the tail end of the lathe.
I am in the process of procuring some ball screws for this and I have already come across several options and offers.
I will kepp you updated on what transpires and I may even break out the camera.

Mike

[dksoba]

I'm trying to pick up one of these lathes for CNC conversion. Hopefully the deal goes through.

How's yours coming? For mine, I want to put dual ballscrews in the Z instead of just one on the side. Ideally I'd like to do one in the middle only, but this doesn't really seem an option. Still, all this is such a long way away. First, got to see if my current deal goes through, then I gotta clean up the lathe, repaint, etc. Then it'll be time to add ballscrews + servos. I'm building the electronics/software myself.

Matt

[TOTALLYRC]

Hi Matt,
I don't see any value in dual ballscrews for the z as the z axis can't cock at all and that would be the main reason for dual ballscrews.

I have had several projects get in the way of this one along with overtime and yard work. I hope to put more time in on it this week.
If I get any real work in on it I will post an update.

Mike