I totally new to linear motion and am in the process of building a drilling machine for long lengths of bar stock. We are currently using a Razor Gauge retrofitted to a Bridgeport to accurately position holes along a 10' long bar. We uses the Razor Gauge to position the x axis and the Bridgeport to locate the y axis prior to drilling. This setup as been in use for two years and works well but we are now trying to rebuild the drill around a Burgmaster turret drill so all operations can be done in one set up. I have designed a Y axis slide around 20mm bearing rails and a 16mm diameter, 5mm lead ball screw with a NEMA 23 bracket. Our current plan is to uses a DRO and hand crank to locate Y axis but I would like to know more about what would be needed to set up with a servo or stepper motor and Numerical key pad to be able to punch in the y location and have it move to it. The Y axis is only moving a 8" vise and only needs 8-9" of travel because of the throat of the drill. I have a full machine shop to my disposal and am quite competent in the mechanical side but am totally ignorant on the electrical side. I need a very basic interface that my employees can use and should not be any more difficult than punching in 0.500 and having the vise move 0.500", otherwise we will go back to turning handles.
Here is a link of the Razorgauge we are using and I am basically looking to build a 8" travel version.
So my questions are:
How complected is it to design and build the electrical side of this slide with a simple numerical keypad?
What components are needed and where can I find out how to spec and install
How much would it cost (roughly)
Are there anyplace or people that could set up a turnkey system If I provided the slide table?