Hobbyist and former professional

[kmagyoyo]

Hi folks, I've been involved with CNC in woodworking shops for many years, and owned a flatbed router when I had my own shop. I found a CNC boring machine from 1999 with 6 hours on it that I would like to convert to a router. Looking for advice on the best solution to do this.

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[awerby]

Posting a picture of it would help.

[kmagyoyo]

I'll do one better:



Here's the link to my build thread:
https://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-c...ll-3-axis.html

[awerby]

It looks like it's basically working as a router already, or would if you put the right kind of spindle on it. Do you have a way to feed it router G-code? What did you have in mind to do to it?

[kmagyoyo]

I don't think the control software has any way to add a z-axis, without some serious hacking. What you see in the video as z-axis motion is a pneumatic actuator moving against a mechanical depth stop.

I can get g-code into the machine, but what the machine is using is unusual and finding a post-processor has been a challenge.

[ger21]

I'm guessing that this machine uses a DOS control similar to the one on the old 1997 327 I used to use. I believe that this machine is even older than that?? (There should be a date on the serial number plate.)

If you really want to use it as a router, you'll need to replace the control. From your other thread, I'd replace the servos as well.

[kmagyoyo]

I'm guessing that this machine uses a DOS control similar to the one on the old 1997 327 I used to use. I believe that this machine is even older than that?? (There should be a date on the serial number plate.)

If you really want to use it as a router, you'll need to replace the control. From your other thread, I'd replace the servos as well.

The nameplate reads 1999, I’m sure it is very similar to your 327, in fact the controller has some vestigial cards that indicate it may be the same as on more capable machines. I’m sure the OS could be installed from one of these machines but I’m not that clever.

I’m thinking of replacing the control with the Acorn and the motors with Teknic’s Clear Path integrated steppers. Seems like a relatively inexpensive and simple way to get it going.

[ger21]

My guess is that the Clearpaths won't fit. Steppers and servos have different size shafts, and different bolt patterns, and the Clearpaths are designed as stepper replacements.
AC servos might be drop in replacements. DMM AC servos are no more expensive than Clearpaths.