Selection of suitable milling machine for CNC conversion

[Clive S]

Ian. First welcome to the forum you will find it a fountain of knowledge

I have had and converted a Warco WM18 I have also helped in a conversion of a Seig mill. I used Linuxcnc on both.

There is quite a lot of working in doing a conversion.

Personally I would not go with a round column mill like the Major If you can find a mill with ball screws that would be a big advantage when it comes to conversion. Good luck with that tho.

Have a read through some of the build logs and do some research before buying anything. (as you are doing)

[magicniner]

If you can find a mill with ball screws that would be a big advantage when it comes to conversion. Good luck with that tho.

Wouldn't that be because unlike lead screws ball screws turn fairly easily in response to force applied to their axis unless a significant holding torque is applied?

[Clive S]

Wouldn't that be because unlike lead screws ball screws turn fairly easily in response to force applied to their axis unless a significant holding torque is applied?

I wish we all had your wisdom:

[routercnc]

I wish we all had your wisdom:

I think he means that they can be back driven more easily from the cutting forces. Or for the Z axis may tend to drop under their own weight.
I think lead screws would be most likely be fitted over ballscrews on a manual machine just due to cost.

Yes avoid the round column as you loose position when adjusting in Z.

I’ve not looked at the sx2.7 but wm16 or 18 are top of my list should I get a mill as they look well made (and would match all the Warco stuff I have!)

[magicniner]

I wish we all had your wisdom:

I though you'd be interested in a basic feature of the technology almost everyone here is interested in using, would you rather I followed the advice of W.C. Fields? ;-)

[m_c]

There's a European supplier who will supply their machines already fitted with ballscrews (and I think steppers/servos), but I can't remember their name.
IIRC they were based in Austria, but it's been a few years since I looked at their website.

[Neale]

There's a European supplier who will supply their machines already fitted with ballscrews (and I think steppers/servos), but I can't remember their name.
IIRC they were based in Austria, but it's been a few years since I looked at their website.

Wabeco, maybe? I think they list a "CNC-ready" vertical mill already fitted with ballscrews.

[dazp1976]

I'm buying an AMAT25LV from Amadeal when they come in stock.
Was going for the 30LV but can't fit it in yet and the extra rpm on the 25 will suit better. Will replace my X2.
Converting it with ballscrews and steppers 23/34 size to run off Mach3.
If all goes well I will move the Seig X2 conversion and use it primarily for drilling. Then in a year or so replace the X2 with the 25LV and buy a 30 to put in it's place. Might try to sell the X2 if I can bring myself to part with it.
Could do with a lathe really, I want to make new pulleys to bump up the rpm's on both AMAT's. Got a few plans and need a re-jig in the cave.

Keep me out of trouble for a couple of years I suppose :D
If I didn't mind gear noise I'd have got a Warco WM18 by now but being where I am I need as quiet as possible.

[cncmystic]

Ian. First welcome to the forum you will find it a fountain of knowledge

I have had and converted a Warco WM18 I have also helped in a conversion of a Seig mill. I used Linuxcnc on both.

There is quite a lot of working in doing a conversion.

Personally I would not go with a round column mill like the Major If you can find a mill with ball screws that would be a big advantage when it comes to conversion. Good luck with that tho.

Have a read through some of the build logs and do some research before buying anything. (as you are doing)

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Hi Clive,
I have just joined mycncuk.
I am new to CNC but have done quite a bit of research on the web
I have a warco wm16 (plus adequately equipped home workshop)
I am planning to convert my warco wm16 to cnc, but I would not know where to start.
Usually people know someone else who knows how to do it and they learn "on the job" whilst that person helps/guides them through it, but I know no one n that field of expertise.
I note that you have converted a wm18, which is the bigger brother to my wm16.
My technical ability is reasonably good, so I think I am up to the job of doing the way once I know how to actually do it.
There are plenty of youtube videos, etc... but none that take you step by step and explain how to actually design, make all the required parts and put it all together with all teh appropriate tolerances, etc...
I have done quite a bit of research on the web, and I understand in principle how it all work and fits together, but I have no idea on how to actually do the whole conversion.
How would you recommend that I go about the whole thing from A to Z in my home workshop ?
Many thanks Clive