Hello everybody,
First of all I'm sorry for posting a way too long post. Especially since it's my first post here... :violin:
I'm about to buy an A2Z Monster Mill. This seems to be a better alternative then for instance
Sherline or similar products. Unfortunately A2Z doesn't do the control system only the "hardware"
parts.
So... this project is going to involve everything between the computer (not included) and the
stepper motors (including). I'd like to get help identifying suitable products to get a well
functioning and robust control system. The word 'system' is important to me as I think we
all know that just putting the latest and greatest parts together doesn't automatically make
them function well together. I do however like the latest and greatest geek as I am...
My level of knowledge in putting a system like this together is that I know how to use tools
but I definitely need a VERY easy to understand wiring diagram...
Help me get this working and we can use this thread to create a template for others to use also.
So please pour your knowledge into this.
I will be milling mainly soft steel and aluminium but also plastics like acrylic, POM and PC and
on occasion stainless steel.
What I'd like to achieve is three things:
- Identify required parts.
- Get knowledge of how to properly mount the parts.
- Get knowledge of how to connect/wire the parts into the system.
The system should consist of:
- 5 axis control system
- As much control as possible from the computer. (In G & M-code)
- Spindle on/off
- Spindle speed
- Cooling on/off
- Tool change
- Limit switches
- E-stop
- Smoothstepper?
- Drivers
- Auto/Semi auto tool changer (this would be awesome to have)
- Touch off tool
- Power supplies
- Charging system
- Stepper motors
- Cables
- Connectors
- Enclosure to mount everything
- Anything else of vital importance that I have forgotten to list... You tell me!
My current thoughts and ideas (which you can completely ignore if you like) are:
* Mach3 on the laptop (has no par.port)
* Smoothstepper ESS
* Gecho G251X or G203V
* Steppers: Gecho has a 400 oz in. (points towards G203V)
* Spindle control. I can read spindle speed on the computer. I have no need for a box on the wall
to tell me what speed it's at unless the box has some other useful functionality as well that cannot
be controlled from the computer. (Many times it's a lot easier to push a button on the wall than it
is finding a mouse and click on a specific button you can't readily find on the screen. Everything has
it's advantages so I'm not ruling anything out...)
* Cooling system should be AIR or Mist. A flood system is way to messy for the amount of time I'm
going to use the machine. It's a hobby machine so I'm not going to be using it every day... And proper
cooling liquid is going bad after a while.
* Multiple e-stop buttons in a normally closed circuit.
* A tool changer would be very nice to have. I know there are at least one semi auto made for the
Sherline headstock. There are probably quite a few different ones in the DIY community.
* Sherline headstock. Is it the best for what I'm trying to do or are there others that are "better" or
more suitable in regards to computer control? Has to be equal or better in robustness too.
* Cables and connectors. Any particular brands that are better than others? Especially connectors can
be of varying quality to say the least. Wire gauges?
* I can always make a box myself or buy a big tower computer case. But sometimes it's not
worth it because someone somewhere is selling a purpose built enclosure for less than what it costs
me to buy materials... Any suggestions?
With this I hope you haven't fallen asleep trying to read all this and again sorry for the long post.
Cheers,
Headrock