Hello all.
I've been reading for a few weeks now. Lots to digest
My current situation....
We've got a series 1 BP J-head machine that i'm itching to convert to CNC.
We aquired an original Proto Trak controller complete with power supply, servos, brackets, controller, and both ball screws. The control seems to work properly, even after 15 years, but it's a bit clunky from a UI perspective. Untill I get it on the machine, i can't determine the final working order of the setup, but atleast the DRO works and the motors move. But for free, I can't complain![]()
My issue is, whom ever de-installed the setup from the original machine took no care to keep the nuts and screws in one piece. I've got maybe 12 of the original balls, and best i can tell they are all the same size. The screws appear to be ground, with .200" lead. and the nuts are 3 circuit with internal returns.
I measure the balls to be .1367" with my trusty mic.
without special orders, i can get replacement balls, 25 grade, 3.50mm diameter ~.1378"
After all that, my real question becomes, am I asking for trouble with the size difference or am I worried too much about it?
The machine will eventually get a PC based controller, but i need to make the machine move to determine if i can reuse the servo controls.
thanks
harlan