Hi all, I've been working on converting my Smithy combo machine to CNC control.
I have the lathe axis' hooked up and working, now I just need to wait until after finals to do the mill axis.

This is the first piece that I've cut with it.
I tried takeing too big of cuts on the one on the left, but after some adjustments the second one came out better.
Now I just need to learn how to program it.

Glen,
what are you using for software

i am in the process of converting a hurco km-1 to pc control, to using mach2 and solidworks.


good job, and there's few that really understand how much work that is...

i certain do

jeffe

Lar45 and jeffe,
Yes, please give us some more details regarding the software and the hardware you are using. I am still in the research stage of a similar project. My intent is to build a CNC rifling machine (single point cut) using a PC and EMC (Enhanced Machine Contoller) software which runs on a GNU/Linux operating system for motion control. Are you using servo motors or steppers? What kind of drives, etc? Please keep us posted.

dedseven

I'm useing Mach2. It seems pretty easy to use so far.
I bought stepper motors from www.clickautomation.com
I ordered the 640 oz/in in a size 34 motor.
I think that the motors will have to be replaced with larger ones.
A friend has some in the 800+oz/in range and they work well for him.
For the motor drivers, I got a set of 3 linisteppers. They came in a kit with the PCBs and the stuff to solder all in. It was around $80 for all 3. The linistepper is selectable for fullstep, half.. up to 3600 per revolution. It will also go in full wave mode. I'm just running on full step.
They are only rated for 1.5A, but I talked with the guy about my setup. I modified the boards for just over 3A. I have the Power transistors mounted on a big block of Aluminum for a heat sink. I will run water through the blocks to try and keep things cool.
I'll see if I can burn it down with heavy abuse.
I'll write up a small something with pics of the setup and waveforms under heavy load for him to put on his website in exchange for a reasonable compensation.

I'd like to do a 3-D router now.

Lar45,

Just curious, what model Smithy do you have?

I have a CB-1239XL

Lar45,

I’ve had a CB1220 XL for about six years or so and really like it. Obviously doesn’t take the place of larger dedicated machines...but for my limited machining abilities and for what I use it for it works great and doesn’t take up much space.

Looks like yours does really nice work.

here's most of what's going on with my hurco...

just got all axis' tuned at 44vdc to test with... will take to -production- at 75...

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=13;t=000981

jeffe