Build Log - Grizzly G0619 CNC Conversion

[sagreen]

I've been using CNC routers for about 10 years. Some time back I bought a large Grizzly Horizontal / Vertical mill and hated using it cause it wasnt CNC. Started looking into converting it, and nothing seems to exist for a conversiont kit. So, recently I bought a Grizzly G0619 and parts from CNCFusion to replace the ballscrews.

Making good progress. I'll post pictures as I go...

Scott...

[sagreen]

Picture 1 : New stand for the Mill... I believe I can get all the electronics and the computer tucked away in the bottom.
Picture 2 : Mill coming out of the box.
Picture 3: Mill on the bench cleaned and ready for conversion. Took 2 days to clean all of the gunk off of the machine that it was packed in...

[sagreen]

Starting the conversion. I'm using the following for this build...

Mill : Grizzly G0619 - Super X3 (Deluxe)
Electronics : CandCNC Bladerunner Combo
Motors : 620oz Nema 23
Ball Screws / Nuts : CNCFusion Deluxe kit.


Picture 1: Y axis table removed. Stock ball screw showing.
Picture 2: X axis table removed. Stock ball screw showing.
Picture 3: X axis ball screw removed.
Picture 4 & 5: New X axis ball screw installed.

[sagreen]

Picture 1: X Axis Table installed. Y axis bolted in place. Note: If you slide the front of the mill off of the table by about 4 inches its easy to get to the Y axis bearing block bolts on the bottom side of the mill.

Picture 2 and 3 : X and Y axis motors installed.

[cornbinder23]

Looking good!, I remember when mine was that clean

JTCUSTOMS

[Geekus]

That looks spiffy clean, I can hardly recall when mine ever looked that good. While it is still early in the assembly you may want to decide on the limit switch placement if you plan on using them (I'd recommend it). They will be a lot easier to mount with the saddle off than if you get everything on and dialed in. I used one honeywell mechanical switch with 2 triggers for each axis - in hindsight I should have made the triggers adjustable, but they work just the same. Other things to do now if you planned them are stepper covers and a one-shot oiler (a lot of work, but I really wish I had done it).

Also, that is a really nice base, mind sharing where you got it?

[sagreen]

That looks spiffy clean, I can hardly recall when mine ever looked that good. While it is still early in the assembly you may want to decide on the limit switch placement if you plan on using them (I'd recommend it). They will be a lot easier to mount with the saddle off than if you get everything on and dialed in. I used one honeywell mechanical switch with 2 triggers for each axis - in hindsight I should have made the triggers adjustable, but they work just the same. Other things to do now if you planned them are stepper covers and a one-shot oiler (a lot of work, but I really wish I had done it).

Also, that is a really nice base, mind sharing where you got it?

Thanks! Yeah, I'll definately be putting limit switches on. I popped the snap ring off of the end of the Y axis, so I need to do that. One shot oiler is a great idea. No idea why they didnt install one in the first place ?!?!?!

The base is a grizzly product... G5944 Machine Cabinet Stand for G1006/7, G1126

Scott...

[Geekus]

I guess I missed that the base and the shop fox casters were different items, looks like a great setup for moving it around and then leveling it.

Yeah it would be nice if these mills were at least ready for oilers with ways milled for the grooves, but then they would cost a few bucks more. If you have access to another working mill it is worthwhile, otherwise it is a couple squirts of oil on the ballnuts and ways (I usually do it every time I need to run the mill). Getting the z ballnut is a pain though. If I ever have to tear down my mill a one-shot oiler will be on the list of things to do for sure. Even if I don't do a one-shot I will still need to find a better way to oil the z-axis ballnut (which requires removing the back shroud each time).

Another other item worth checking out is a flood coolant tray:

LittleMachineShop.com - Coolant Catch Tray Assembly, Table

It really keeps the chips at bay with or without coolant. I mounted mine when the mill was assembled but had to cut down the back side of the tray with an angle grinder for the mill head clearance when the table is at the far extents of the x axis and all the way back on the y.

I have some pics over at the cncfusion X3 forum of the tray mounted, if you are interested I can PM you the link.

[sagreen]

I guess I missed that the base and the shop fox casters were different items, looks like a great setup for moving it around and then leveling it.

Yeah it would be nice if these mills were at least ready for oilers with ways milled for the grooves, but then they would cost a few bucks more. If you have access to another working mill it is worthwhile, otherwise it is a couple squirts of oil on the ballnuts and ways (I usually do it every time I need to run the mill). Getting the z ballnut is a pain though. If I ever have to tear down my mill a one-shot oiler will be on the list of things to do for sure. Even if I don't do a one-shot I will still need to find a better way to oil the z-axis ballnut (which requires removing the back shroud each time).

Another other item worth checking out is a flood coolant tray:

LittleMachineShop.com - Coolant Catch Tray Assembly, Table

It really keeps the chips at bay with or without coolant. I mounted mine when the mill was assembled but had to cut down the back side of the tray with an angle grinder for the mill head clearance when the table is at the far extents of the x axis and all the way back on the y.

I have some pics over at the cncfusion X3 forum of the tray mounted, if you are interested I can PM you the link.

Ding... you have mail

[sagreen]

Ok this is where I came across my first problem... I bolted up You will notice in the pictures that the Y axis mounting holes do not line up with the bolt holes. I was able to fix this, but I had to mill about .1875" off of the bottom of the CNCFusion Y axis bearing block. That lined the holes up much better. As you can emagine, the ballscrew ran a lot smoother after the operation...

Anyone else had to do this?

Scott...

[sagreen]

Ok, really hoping to get the Z-Axis going this weekend and start making some chips... Things to get done...

1) Z Axis.
2) Limit Switches.
3) Flood coolant tray.
4) I would like to make a tooling tray.
5) Monitor / Keyboard / Control panel arm.
6) Mount electronics and computer in stand.
7) Motor Covers
8) Build a control panel. Probably use an IPaq and arcade buttons.

[mattm55]

Was wondering, and by the looks of the pics, that you didn't opt for extending the X/Y from CNCFusion?

Looks good and keep the info/pics coming.

Matt