Re: Build Log - Grizzly G0619 CNC Conversion
I ended up picking up a Novakon Torus Pro mill after I got this one converted and never did much more with it. This mill has sat in the corner for about 6 years and was never powered up. Recently I converted the novakon over to Pathpilot, and decided it would be great to get this old Grizzly conversion going again, modernize it, and run it on Pathpilot.
I'll post some pictures of what I am doing, but I have pathpilot going and I have to say its WAY better than Mach3 ever was on this machine. Its a bit of work to get pathpilot going on a non tormach machine, but its worth the work.
Scott...
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Re: Build Log - Grizzly G0619 CNC Conversion
Replaced the older mechanical switches with Inductive Prox Sensors. 3D Printed the holders.
Scott...
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Re: Build Log - Grizzly G0619 CNC Conversion
Electronic Tool Setter. This allows me to use pathpilot to probe and automatically calculate and enter tool heights.
Scott...
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Re: Build Log - Grizzly G0619 CNC Conversion
First set of soft jaws cut after setting for 8 years, a little TLC and a pathpilot conversion. I like the results!
Scott...
Re: Build Log - Grizzly G0619 CNC Conversion
It would be interesting to hear about your non-tormach path pilot adventures. I thought about it years ago, but never followed up.
I did get the MESA cards though.
Rubes
Re: Build Log - Grizzly G0619 CNC Conversion
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rubes
It would be interesting to hear about your non-tormach path pilot adventures. I thought about it years ago, but never followed up.
I did get the MESA cards though.
Rubes
Its not crazy difficult. Who's breakout board are you using?
Scott...
Re: Build Log - Grizzly G0619 CNC Conversion
I've got the MESA 5i25 and 7i76 and Gecko G320 servo drives.
I also have a PMDX-C11 (which may be obsolete).
I did read thru the posts on the LinuxCNC forum way back then, but got too confused.
Maybe things got easier/clearer since then?
I got my router going with Mach4 and a smoothstepper, but still have a lathe and mill to convert.
I've been wanting to do this for ever...and now that I'm retired I got "all the time in the world"...hahaha
Re: Build Log - Grizzly G0619 CNC Conversion
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rubes
I've got the MESA 5i25 and 7i76 and Gecko G320 servo drives.
I also have a PMDX-C11 (which may be obsolete).
I did read thru the posts on the LinuxCNC forum way back then, but got too confused.
Maybe things got easier/clearer since then?
I got my router going with Mach4 and a smoothstepper, but still have a lathe and mill to convert.
I've been wanting to do this for ever...and now that I'm retired I got "all the time in the world"...hahaha
Hey, I recently retired as well! Welcome to the club.
So doing a pathpilot conversion is basically the following process: (Current process, may change in the future)
Installing Pathpilot
1) Buy a 2.0 Pathpilot upgrade USB stick from Tormach.
2) Install the Mesa PC board, and connect to the 7i76.
3) Plug the PP 2.0 USB stick into the pc and boot from it.
4) When the PP install asks for a machine to configure select an 1100 series tormach.
5) Finish the install and reboot.
6) Configure your WIFI or Ethernet connection when PP reboots. PP will walk you through this.
7) You should end up on the PP control page.
8) Click the status tab. If the internet light is green, your network is working. If not figure that out.
9) On the status tab, select "Update". Update PP to the latest version, and reboot.
Configuring Pathpilot for your machine
This is where the work starts. You are going to be editing a lot of files to get this working on your system. There is no single way this config is done for every system, as each is different. But the process and files should be reasonably the same from machine to machine.
I've created a "Discord" chat server that I've been wanting to use for my Novakon mill community. Its not getting any use yet for that, but on it I have a "PathPilot" chat area. If you dont know what Discord is its a modern day chat client / server that replaces all of the chat clients I've used to talk to others. This includes vendors, retailers, and family and friends. Think of it as a modern IRC. Glad to help others through this process of converting pathpilot, and creating a community at the same time. If you are interested click the invite below. This is a web client version of the software. I use a desktop and phone version so I can chat wherever.
Invite: https://discord.gg/vTUyZZTV6W
My ID on the server is Rudedog. Drop me a message on the discord server, in the "Pathpilot" section.
Scott...
Re: Build Log - Grizzly G0619 CNC Conversion
Congratulations on your retirement as well.
The configuring and editing the files is where I completely fell off the wagon.
With LinuxCNC there was the config wizzard. I did get one motor connected and moving, and then got distracted with too many other projects.
I bought the pathpilot CD back then, and its 1.9 something.
I did get it installed. I removed that hard drive and have it saved somewhere.
I dont recall there being any internet or being able to update over wifi, I think you need to update from a USB on that version.
for $25 maybe worth starting over with 2.0.
I'll try and drop you a "hello" at least on your discord server.
Thanx again, and have a GREAT retired day!!!!! haha
Rubes
Re: Build Log - Grizzly G0619 CNC Conversion
Man, I need to get off my *** and get busy.
This is the lathe I am doing;
https://www.cnczone.com/forums/verti...40584-cnc.html
it was built by my friend Steve on this board many years ago. He has since passed, and I just havent been very motivated to work on it.
I have a manual Hardinge lathe I use all the time when I need to turn.
I have the Z axis on the Steve lathe moving with LinuxCNC (oh, I did get the Pathpilot USB today).
I just dont know how to focus...currently working on the lathe, a router, an X3 mill, and 4 project cars...:tired:
But your thread has got me a bit more motivated...thanx...keep posting if ya dont mind!!!!
Re: Build Log - Grizzly G0619 CNC Conversion
Wow, given that Lathe's history, you gotta get that thing going. Let me know how I can help.
I'm getting a lot farther in my pathpilot conversion. I'm kinda stuck waiting on my VFD, but im hoping I can do some conversational lathe work operating the spindle manually. I'll be installing an encoder so I can do threading and rigid tapping. Will work on that next.
Scott...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rubes
Man, I need to get off my *** and get busy.
This is the lathe I am doing;
https://www.cnczone.com/forums/verti...40584-cnc.html
it was built by my friend Steve on this board many years ago. He has since passed, and I just havent been very motivated to work on it.
I have a manual Hardinge lathe I use all the time when I need to turn.
I have the Z axis on the Steve lathe moving with LinuxCNC (oh, I did get the Pathpilot USB today).
I just dont know how to focus...currently working on the lathe, a router, an X3 mill, and 4 project cars...:tired:
But your thread has got me a bit more motivated...thanx...keep posting if ya dont mind!!!!
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Re: Build Log - Grizzly G0619 CNC Conversion
About ready to start making chips. Looking better after spending 2 days tearing down, cleaning, and knocking off the 8 year old rust!
Scott...