[KevMoto]

Depends on how you thread I imagine.

Rigid tapping is always a hit or miss with Mach 3 in my opinion, but there are folks who do it. Those using a servo spindle should be able to reliably though.

Thread milling can be done with nearly any CNC mill as exact RPM is not critical.

Extension compression tapping should be doable with most mills that are reasonably close to RPM numbers and have decent torque at lower RPMs.

I do most of my tapping as a secondary operation on my drill press with a tapping head.

There is also the start and stop time for the spindle to consider.

I was thinking of external or internal threads over a longer distance, using the lathe, the way the auto-feed is already set up with the gears.

[Bob La Londe]

I was thinking of external or internal threads over a longer distance, using the lathe, the way the auto-feed is already set up with the gears.

Actually Mach3Lathe will accept an index pulse from a lathe spindle for synchronizing lathe type threading.

[KevMoto]

Actually Mach3Lathe will accept an index pulse from a lathe spindle for synchronizing lathe type threading.

perfect,then FannBlade's set up will be perfect and it will allow me to move the big electical box on the G9729 like he did. Right now it's not centered and I just don't care for how it looks sitting on the table I built. I'll build my own cabinet like he did, replace the pulleys and motors.

[zer0fighter]

Thats my plan too, an index pulse for accurate lathe RPM, and do the threading that way.

[KevMoto]

I got some recommendations from the guys at automation technologies and just to keep it straight. The Z-axis is the vertical mill movement right? (The up and down), the X-axis is the left to right and the Y-axis is the front to back movement .... All from the perspective of the person standing in front of the machine...

Here are there recommendations:

X and Y: Nema 23 - 3/8" shaft - 570 oz-in
Z: Nema 34 - 1/2" shaft - 1200 oz-in

Controller: 3 Axis CNC Stepper Control Box, Digital Stepper Motor Driver, 110VAC/220VAC for G0704 | Automation Technology Inc

[Bob La Londe]

On a mill the Z axis is the head moving up and down.

On a lathe the Z Axis is the cutting tool moving left and right.

You will probably have two different machine profiles depending on whether you are turning or milling.

[KevMoto]

On a mill the Z axis is the head moving up and down.

On a lathe the Z Axis is the cutting tool moving left and right.

You will probably have two different machine profiles depending on whether you are turning or milling.

Thank you, now i understand.

[KevMoto]

So, I was wondering why they suggest a motor that is twice as strong for the mill Z axis than the X and Y ??

[Bob La Londe]

Because the head is heavy and not only do you have to overcome inertia, and friction, but also gravity.

Most of us of reasonable strength and health can push a car if we have to, but when there is even a little grade it gets harder, and only the body builders among us can push it up even a modestly steeper grade at all.

[ratfink]

Is there a secret handshake or club, or? in order to find out what ballscrews are being used? ALL the ballscrews? the couplers, bearing blocks, part numbers, or who to purchase from? Automation Tech carries them however they don't feel they need to list the specs for them so I guess wistling Dixie is about the only thing that's going to happen there?

Maybe even a partial parts list? quarter of a partial parts list? like, for all the parts... like part numbers or maybe a link? kitchen sink? pictures aren't really worth a thousand words without parts names, list or numbers? Not sure how anyone could even do a conversion without the knowledge of what and where and which parts to get?

maybe im missing where all this info is? I would prefer not to have to buy then send back parts because I am guessing at which ballscrews to use? bearing blocks? couplers? pretty surprising this thread is two hundred pages long as well as two other post doing the same thing and no one has any parts list or part numbers or whom they purchased from....

so , what's the secret handshake to get this info?

[zer0fighter]

I bought 3 - Nema23 steppers, 425oz-in, and run them from a Gecko G540 board connected via USBCNC to a laptop.

This is my order for 2 of the ball screws, and bearing blocks:
SFU1605-C7-975 975mm Ballscrew & Flanged Nut w/ Machined Ends
Item# 407 $100.06 USD 1 $100.06 USD
SFU1605-C7-365 365mm Ballscrew & Flanged Nut w/ Machined Ends
Item# 415 $71.38 USD 1 $71.38 USD
BK15-C7 Fixed End Ballscrew Support w/ Locknut
Item# 967 $49.95 USD 2 $99.90 USD
BF15-C7 Free End Ballscrew Support
Item# 968 $21.95 USD 2 $43.90 USD
BK12-C7 Fixed End Ballscrew Support with locknut
Item# 963

This was the Z axis mill ballscrew:
Ballscrew 1204-175mm ( Diameter:12mm Pitch:4mm L:175mm) end machined +ballnut
Item# 121160653376

If you DM me your e-mail address, I'll send you drawings for some of the parts I made for my Z-axis conversion. Not perfect, and I could do a better job if I did it again.

Carl


From 2013, prices may have changes for better or worse.

[ratfink]

Hi Carl,

Thank you so very much. This is a big help, I have been putting this off forever and have to get to it.
I am pondering in converting over to linear rails and bearing blocks but cant seem to find reasonable pricing and I still need to regrind my bed ways.
DM on the way.
Thanks again.
J