Bought a 9-20 for $300 at a HF sidewalk sale about 3 years ago. I have a shop task 3 in 1 that I use for milling and as lathe. I want to convert the 9-20 to a cnc. I want to maintain the original cabilities and haven't seen plans for the 9-20.
My thoughts are to couple to the original lead screw at the tail stock end of the machine and just engage the half nut for the long axis drive, and then do a direct couple (no gears or belts) to the cross drive axis.
Most of the work that I do with the lathe is to turn down m-16 stock buffer tube, which are about 7 inches long and roughly 1.25 dia. and I also make a small pull pin out of non hardened 1/4 inch dia 1 inch long steel dowel pins.
So, I currently, am not doing any threading, but I still want to maintain the capability if I ever need to.
I looking at of the plug and play controllers that cncresources offers. As far steppers, my uneducated gut feel is that a 200 oz/ in would be ok for the cross axis and maybe a 267 oz/in for the long axis. I already have mach II and am getting used to it.
I emailed Ron Steele to see whether his plans would be helpful and he didn't think that they would be too useful.
So, guys start scratching your heads and let's figure out is my thoughts about coupling into the existing lead screw makes sence at the tail stock end.
Give me your thoughts about the stepper motor sizes. (I would be happy with rapids say of 25ipm)
And some hents how to couple at both the Z axis and the long axis.
I've seen two or three guys that have indicated interest in converting these 9-20 so lets put our heads together and do this for the Gipper.
Thanks
Ron