Originally Posted by
Adam Baker
Thanks for the info jdr. I found their website.
From looking at the various 5 axis designs, it looks like a trunion is the common design used for a relatively light weight 5 axis design. I almost think I could just buy 2 rotary axis components and build my own trunion, instead of spending the money to buy a pre-built unit. The Minitech 2 axis trunion is 5k by itself, which is a lot more than I'd like to spend.
I like the idea of taking a manual mill, and converting it to CNC using the various methods Ive seen here, including the info provided on Hoss's website. Once the 3 axis conversion would be complete, then I could start working on adding the 2 rotary axis'.
*edit* For a tool changer, I was thinking it would be best to find a machine w/ one installed already, but I just noticed a link to a thread Hoss has going, designing a 16 tool ATC for his machine. Im reading through it now, and I love the idea of that. So its looking a lot more likely that I'll get something such as an X2 and try going the route Hoss has w/ his. Convert it to CNC, and then start working beyond that. I have to say Im really glad I found this forum, as it looks like it will make it much easier to do what Im eventually hoping to pull off.