4th Axis options needed

[Dave's_Not_Here]

I purchased a Techno-Isel 4896Plus servo driven CNC Router. I want to add a 4th axis but the Techno people are pretty lame about responding.

If you go to their website, they offer a great looking 4th axis add-on and the controller is supposed to be 4th axis ready. However, their online store does not offer any of the add-on's one might be interested in, such as the 4th axis, a lubrication kit, Laser Scanner, etc. They post no prices and no direct links to e-mail the sales department and phone calls go into Never-Never Land.

In fact, I had an issue with the remote control box not resuming properly and waited several hours for a tech reply and finally found my answer here on the Zone... I opened the box and blew out the dust... never did get the call back.

The machine is a great HD machine and I am totally satisfied with my purchase as far as equipment is concerned.... the support and sales departments suck!

So, can anyone direct me to an after-market 4th axis source? I only have 5.5" clearance under the gantry.

I assume the controller could care less what brand the hardware is, so long as it receives the proper signals and codes via a compatible connection.

Lastly, dumb question, but I was told that you can mix servos and steppers but that just does not seem right in my limited mind...

Any help is appreciated,

Dave

[Dave's_Not_Here]

Wow.... one of the largest CNC Forums on the net and no one knows about any aftermarket 4th Axis suppliers.

Guess there is an opportunity knocking for a good, enterprising machinist to start a small business supplying simple 4th axis kits...

DNH

[jalessi]

Dave,

A Sherline 4th axis rotary "model 3700-CNC" is very popular and will fit a Isel router without any problems.

http://tinyurl.com/yfjzb2q

http://www.sherline.com/8730pg.htm

Jeff...

[jalessi]

Dave,

Here are the dimensions for quick reference.

This will fit under your gantry with a little room to spare.

Jeff...

[Dave's_Not_Here]

Jeff,

Thank you. I will look into them and see if they are available with a Servo.

DNH

[Dave's_Not_Here]

Jeff,

Thank you. I will look into them.

DNH

[jalessi]

Dave,

The Sherline rotary has 72-1 reduction, it works very well with a stepper.

A complete servo solution is going to run almost double what a stepper will.

Keling has a very inexpensive servo

http://www.kelinginc.net/ServoMotors.html

http://www.kelinginc.net/K23-120-36.pdf

AMT makes very good encoders.

http://www.amtencoder.com/

http://www.cui.com/getpdf.aspx?filename=AMT102-V.pdf

Gecko has a nice new servo drive

http://www.geckodrive.com/product.aspx?c=2&i=14474

Jeff...

[Dave's_Not_Here]

Hey Jeff,

Yes, servos will cost more but I am already setup with servos, so steppers are out of the running.

I contacted Sherline but no info back on a servo setup.

I got info back from a Techno dealer.... about $7,500 for a 4th axis.

I stumbled across a file showing the servo electrical board with call-outs and compared it to a photograph I took of my controller. It appears I already have the 4th axis amp, and just need the $90 servo with encoder and run the cables and plug in the connectors. I might need to add a $150 chip to my PCI400 board but the jury is still out. The rotary table alone is over $6,800.. ouch!

I came across this Taiwan made full-meal deal for about $700 USD... from a CNCZone Link... tough to beat.... Must not be too bad or they wouldn't be allowed sell on the site.... right?
http://www.atron.com.tw/uwish/front/...ategory=111013

I have several other options in the mix and we will see where things shake out.

Thanks for the info... It will come in handy when I upgrade my Legacy Mill to CNC!

[SORCHEROR]

may i ask how much torgue you want your 4 axis to have?and what you will cut?wood?plastic?aluminum?maybe a custom built one is the way to go,i build custom table top cnc and fourth axis,gladly give you a quote if i find out all the parameters

[SORCHEROR]

i would check with techno on if your board is fourth axis ready,i dont think it is,id bet its missing more than just the chip,they usually use a standard four axis board and dont put the chip and other diodes and mossfets in the fourth spot,but you should be able to use
any servo driver thats compatible and hook it up to your system

[Dave's_Not_Here]

i would check with techno on if your board is fourth axis ready,i dont think it is,id bet its missing more than just the chip,they usually use a standard four axis board and dont put the chip and other diodes and mossfets in the fourth spot,but you should be able to use
any servo driver thats compatible and hook it up to your system

I have never dealt with a group of people that share so little information as does the Techno group. I can't even get a reply specific to my controller layout after sending a photograph! When asked about the difference between the Build 400 and Build 420Q software upgrade, all I get is 'if you have problems upgrade.' Absolutely no response about availability and price for the lube kit. Forget an explanation about the meaning of "4th axis ready."

As you can see, I "believe" I have the amp in the upper right corner of the photograph. What is missing is the connectors below the amp from the encoder and the cable plug from the servo that goes to the port in lower left in the photograph. Use the PDF for reference.

So, unless my ignorance is exposed for what it is, I am assuming I "may" need the PCI Chip and servo motor... as well as the rotary head and tail stock.

Feel free to point out my erroneous assumptions.

DNH

[Dave's_Not_Here]

Double Post.... sorry.