I want to know if any of the more experienced cnc users can help me out. I am planning on building a 3 axis cnc router machine. Later on I would like to build a 4th axis attachment. I will have a travel of 3’ X 4’ X 8”. I want to be able to mill aluminum and mdf. I will have a coolant system for the aluminum and a dust collector for the mdf g-code selectable. I want to use servo motors for a closed loop system I would like to incorporate an automatic tool changer g-code selectable. I think I can design a tool changer with one or two i/o’s. I would like a VFD spindle. But am willing to use a regular router spindle. I am all new to cnc machining. If there is any recommendation I am willing to listen to them. Like I said I am all new to this so help me out. Here are a few break-out boards I was thinking on using. Let me know if I should look at any more? Thanks for the help! I will post pictures as the project progresses.
www.CampBellDesigns.com Combo break-out board: $245.00 USA
The purpose of the Combo board is to interface the PC parallel port to the Gecko stepper motor drives and to control four relays for powering on aux devices such as spindle, vacuum pump, and coolant pump from 115VAC. The combo board also includes the spindle speed function that can control a variable frequency drive (VFD) through an optically isolated 0~5 VDC or 0~10 VDC. The Combo board also has an output for one Quadrature encoder that can be used for a manual pulse generator (MPG).
Website http://www.campbelldesigns.com/Combo-board.php
www.Rutet.com Motherboard R990mb: $116.00
The R990mb is an interface, which simplifies interconnection between PC running Step & Direction CNC software via LPT (printer) port and the physical CNC hardware such as motor drivers, cooling pump etc. It can be used with up to four R990/R990H/R90H/R991H/R992H servo drivers and R990io relay board. The R990mb has direct interface to PC printer port (DB25 - LPT port) and DB15 for connecting the limit switches.
Website http://www.rutex.com/home/index
www.rogersmachine.net Sound Logic Encoder Interface: $136.50
Closed Loop performance for all Mach2/3/4 software’s
4 Input/Output connections for Gecko drives
Works with Stepper systems w/encoders also
4 multi-purpose inputs for MPG's, probes, etc.
4 on-board relays controlled by M-codes in the software rated 125
VAC and 15 amps. Coupled with Breakout board, provides 8 outputs
in total.
Alerts the operator of positioning errors on each axis.
Provides External 5 volt supply for encoders.
Provides DRO position of all axises when Mach is in "Reset" for
manual machining.
Works with 2nd parallel port card which can be purchased here and
included with interface.
Cable for 26 pin connector to DB-25 included.
Fast, easy installation and software configuration.
All setup instructions outlined in PDF manual on "download" page.
On a 3 axis system, the 4th axis may be used for an MPG input.
Tracks the .001" startup crawl of each axis and allows the user to
resync this to the machine position. Without the interface, this is
usually not noticed when axis motors are powered up.
Website http://www.rogersmachine.net/encoderinterface.html