I'm getting ready to convert my Chinese 9x20 lathe to CNC, and had some questions. 99.9% of the work will be on aluminum, but I do have plans for a project next year that would require making some small titanium parts (K baffles for a firearm silencer). Steel will work in place of the titanium, but weight is an issue so if the lathe can handle the titanium, that would be fantastic.
- What length ball screws do I need? I'm planning to use C7 screws off eBay for both axes, but most of the screws are much too short (300mm) or much too long (1150mm). Would this 650mm screw work?
- Are NEMA 23 motors beefy enough? Concerned they'll be a handicap on anything tougher than aluminum.
- I'm planning to use a pair of Geckodrive 251Xs to control the steppers via a BeagleBone Black. Any pitfalls here, aside from the BBB not being especially well supported for CNC?
- I don't own a mill, so I need to buy mounting hardware. Any recommendations on where to buy? Or maybe somebody around here who would make the brackets and such for a fee?