How to get 4 axis and variable spindle speed with Xylotex setup on a Taig?

[squale]

I am looking to get a Taig cnc 'ready' mill setup with a controller box and stepper motors.

I have looked at the Xylotex and Keling options. The Xylotex is priced quite a bit better but I'm wondering if I can do the following..

I want to put a variable speed spindle on the Taig cnc mill. I want to have my G-code programs through Mach3 control the spindle speed. I also want full 4 axis on the mill because I plan on using a rotary table. What additional parts will be required for the variable spindle speed using the Xylotex 4-axis cnc box?

Has anybody done this, is it hard to do? can you recommend a spindle motor and VFD for this?

I like the Gecko 540 driver because it supports 4 axis and it has a variable speed output already on the drive. But I don't think Xylotex uses the Gecko drives. I am open to all options at the moment.

Thanks!

[Fixittt]

the gecko and xylotex are stepper drivers. they have screw terminals on the board for the rest of the pins but neither the gecko (to my knowledge) or the xylotex driver boards have anything built onto them for anything other then the steppers. both gecko and xylotex allow you to use the rest of the pins to the printer port.

I have both drivers a xylotex 4 axis and a g540 I would recommend going the gecko route

[squale]

yeah but the Gecko says it' has a VFD output, so can't I just hook a DC variable speed motor to this output and have G-code control my spindle speed?

[ger21]

Originally Posted by squale yeah but the Gecko says it' has a VFD output, so can't I just hook a DC variable speed motor to this output and have G-code control my spindle speed?

Not unless your DC motor is controlled by a 0V to 10V signal. That's what the G540 outputs to control a VFD.

[squale]

this is what I can get.. recommended by another forum member..

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.as...1&item=11-2449

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.as...1&item=10-2326

I could plug the output from the Gecko into the Motor Speed Controller board..

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by squale I am looking to get a Taig cnc 'ready' mill setup with a controller box and stepper motors. I have looked at the Xylotex and Keling options. The Xylotex is priced quite a bit better but I'm wondering if I can do the following.. I want to put a variable speed spindle on the Taig cnc mill. I want to have my G-code programs through Mach3 control the spindle speed. I also want full 4 axis on the mill because I plan on using a rotary table. What additional parts will be required for the variable spindle speed using the Xylotex 4-axis cnc box? Has anybody done this, is it hard to do? can you recommend a spindle motor and VFD for this? I like the Gecko 540 driver because it supports 4 axis and it has a variable speed output already on the drive. But I don't think Xylotex uses the Gecko drives. I am open to all options at the moment. Thanks!

Dear Squale,

As a owner and user of the xylotex board and owner of many Gecko products, it is not fair to compare the 2 products. They are both stepper dirvers but that is where the simliarity ends.

The G540 is in a class by itself.

I am not bashing the xylotex, but in a post G540 world, it is time for the other guys to step up and make a better product.

I somtimes find myself chuckling at the newbies that are where I was 1 year ago. Trying to save every last dollar and then they end up with problems and questions and regret.

Get the G540, power supply,some motors and a mill of your choice and be done with it.
If you really want a ready to run Taig with a xylotex and 425's I will sell you mine.
PM me and We can talk.

But to be honest, if I was keeping the Taig, I would replace the Xylotex with the G540 or the G251's that I have on the shelf.

I and others are steering you to gecko G540 because we have been there and done that and gotten the T-shirt. I am at the very least trying to keep you from the same mistakes that I made.

I picked up the Taig as part of a package deal, otherwise I would have done a lot more reasearch. It was a great learing tool. It exposed me to Mach3 and I learned a lot about how to put stuff together. It still works. Many people use this exact combo. Less than a year ago, the "baby Gecko's" didn't exist and the xylotex was hot stuff. It has been overshadowed by advances in technology.


Mike

[ger21]

Originally Posted by squale this is what I can get.. recommended by another forum member.. http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.as...1&item=11-2449 http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.as...1&item=10-2326 I could plug the output from the Gecko into the Motor Speed Controller board..

No, it doesn't work like that. If you read the description of that controller, it says it uses a pot to control the speed. Not an analog voltage. Something like this might work, though.

http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/prod...roducts_id=179