[michael_giesbre]

I'd like to start off by thanking everyone on this forum for all the great information that is available, I've been lurking around here for a few months trying to soak up as much as possible, and I think I've learned quite alot. On to my many questions

I'm getting ready to build my first CNC. I want to be able to cut aluminum mostly, but also do light work on steel.
Here is a list of the things I want:

4th axis expandability (doesn't necessarily have to have 4 axis at first, but I need to be able to go there without too much trouble)

I want to be able to implement an ATC (maybe something like the Hoss ATC)

Spindle Speed control is a must (spindle orientation would be nice, but is not a make or break)

I would like to use a closed loop system, I have had some experience with an open loop router, and its performance was less than what I'm after.

I'm thinking about converting an X3 (from Grizzly)

After reading alot about EMC2 it seems like this is the way to go, as it is possible to have a true closed loop system (where Mach is at best only semi-closed), but the documentation seems to be a little bit beyond me.

I know absolutely nothing about Linux.

If I used a IO card like the Mesa 5I20, is it a fairly simple plug+play kind of setup, or will I have to spend months fiddling with programming to get everything working the way I want?

Furthermore, what do I need to use as a drive for the servo motors? Where do I get the power supply? I was looking at the Keling Servo motors, are they any good?

Ahh, that will probably cover most of my questions for now, but any information is always helpful...

Thanks in advance,

Mike

[michael_giesbre]

OK so after alot of reading today I've come up with this:

Grizzly X3 Mill

Motors:

4x Keling KL34-180-90 (90V 40 Amp 1125 oz-in peak) (3 for Axes + Spindle)
4x US Digital E5S-500-250-EG-PKG2 500 Line Encoder

Control:

Mesa 5I20
2x Mesa 7129 Dual 2kW H-Bridge (3 for Axes + Spindle)
1x Mesa 7I37T Isolated I/O Driver (for switching relays ie coolant on/off, ATC)
EMC2

Power Supply: ??
What do I need for a power supply? Is it possible to build one?


So with all that am I going way overboard here, and don't really need this, or is there anything I should go about differently?

[rscot9399]

So did you ever build this? I am wanting a 7129 also
Sad no one replied