Converting a Warco Mill to CNC

[thorphar]

Don't go higher than nema 34's it's not needed.
Like neil says you need lots of voltage with 34's to get good performance so buy mains voltage drives. These are what I use with nema 34's http://www.zappautomation.co.uk/elec...n/2m2280n.html

Seem expensive but you don't need a PSU so it cuts down on price and complexity and they are the only thing I'd fit to large 34's.

Size wise then you won't need massive motors these should work but I would get some idea of weight your lifting or moving first. I've seen nema 23's fitted to X & Y on these before so these will easily do it with some to spare. Thou I think you'll need the extra for the Knee.
http://www.zappautomation.co.uk/elec...118-6004b.html

Thanks for the advice on the high power drivers. Just for future reference and to confirm my thoughts. What are the main advantages of High Voltage drivers over the lower voltage type.

Just popping the three HV Drivers and the steppers (3 of each) in to the cart jumps the price up to £786.30. Is there anyway of reducing the price. I have looked for the HV drivers on ali,however they are the same price and also would incur import duty. Any suggestions on getting the steppers cheaper or using slightly different HV drivers. :)


Thanks for all your help.

I would also agree with KingCreaky, CNC Mill is a must have :).

[JAZZCNC]

Any suggestions on getting the steppers cheaper or using slightly different HV drivers. :)

No sorry can't help on buying cheaper but sure there will be some if you look hard enough. Personally I don't bother because it's worth more to me than the small savings to be able pass any problems back to Gary at Zapp and have replacements the next day.!

Regards price then unfortunatly when it comes to large motors and good performance then it's a case of do it right or don't bother. Large motors simply won't give good performance unless they have the voltage. It's very very common for people to buy large motors with low power drives only to be sadly dissappointed with the performance. It's also common for 3 or 4Nm Nema23 motors running correct voltage on good drives to out perform under powered 34's.!!

Edit: I reckon with this machine you'll get away with 4Nm 23's running on Em806 digital drives with 65V and ratio for X & Y axis. just use a 34 on Z Axis or use 23 and larger ratio with counter balance to help assist.

[Web Goblin]

I looked at the warco knee mill but ended getting the gh universal. just fitted a dro to it. Can I have the power feed unit?

Nice machine Jazz. Where is the controller?

[JAZZCNC]

Nice machine Jazz. Where is the controller?

In that blue box on floor in front of it. It's Anilim controller which normally hangs off that arm on side, DC Drives etc are in cabinet on rear. Now redundant to be replaced with Servo's and Cslabs controller.