I am wondering if anyone has added an electrically actuated drawbar to their Tormach PCNC1100 ? I am interested in this because i feel that it is simpler to make and cheaper to operate . Also if anyone has done this will you share pictures and or details ?
the Pneumatic drawbar seems to me to be about as simple as it can be, it can be done with all pneumatic button or pedal, cylinder, and draw bar with bellville washers. With a little more you can control it by the controller. It seems as an electric version would be more of a problem.
I made one for a 440 it was a pretty straightforward project and all in cost was about $200.
Scott Mulkerin (SDM Machine) developed a hydraulic cam actuated drawbor for his 1100 in late 2011. I motorized it with a linear actuator and published the design in Digital Machinist, mid 2012. There was also a thread on this forum. Couple relays, a treadmill screw thread actuator, and Scott's hydraulic drawbar. Single button operation. Working in my shop for the past decade. Parts are still readily available, maybe 50 bucks and some machine time.
PM me for a copy of the publication if you can't find it.