lots of questions

[irving2008]

Hi i'm a total noob and have been trying to get infor on buying a mini milling machine and turning it into cnc.

Im looking at buying a Shirline milling machine, it's size is right for what i need it for. Has anyone used these?

I would like to convert it to cnc with a ready to go or plug and play kits as it were, I believe these are available for this machine, roughly how much would these kits cost? I know these use NEMA #23 motors.

I dont want to write code initially or do i have to, to make cnc parts? Can the software generate the programming code for me?

I have Rhino2 from years ago, i have no problem with making 3D images with graphics software or computers.

Sorry for the questions i have so many.

Thanks

Hi jsa2001

Google is your friend... or see [ame="http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=349"]this thread[/ame]

Basically a CNC Kit for a CNC-ready Sherline Mill is around $250 or about the same in GBP once shipped into UK. You might be better off buying the thing ready-converted as it may be cheaper (unless you are buying a secondhand mill)

There are various software routes, programming is not required (but worth learning). Have a browse through the pages of this forum to get some ideas, there are several threads on the subject.

[jsa2001]

Hi jsa2001

Google is your friend... or see this thread

Basically a CNC Kit for a CNC-ready Sherline Mill is around $250 or about the same in GBP once shipped into UK. You might be better off buying the thing ready-converted as it may be cheaper (unless you are buying a secondhand mill)

There are various software routes, programming is not required (but worth learning). Have a browse through the pages of this forum to get some ideas, there are several threads on the subject.

Thanks i've had a quote from a UK supplier for a retrofitting sherline cnc kit it comes to more 3 times the cost of the same kit sold in the USA. JUST SHORT OF £800, does that seem correct?

[HiltonSteve]

Is that £800 for just the mechanical parts or does that include the motors, drivers etc??

[jsa2001]

Is that £800 for just the mechanical parts or does that include the motors, drivers etc??

Hi here's a breakdown 3 stepper motors at £75.25 each, control box £576
£220 for the motor adapters or £835 with the adaptors already on the mill ready to receive the cnc kit.

[HiltonSteve]

Hi here's a breakdown 3 stepper motors at £75.25 each, control box £576
£220 for the motor adapters or £835 with the adaptors already on the mill ready to receive the cnc kit.

That seems mighty expensive for 3 steppers and a control box, check this out - http://www.diycnc.co.uk/html/cnc_systems.html

I used 5A Driver50's for my machine (Router) with 3 x 3.1Nm (5A) 23 size steppers, got the whole electronic kit from Roy (DIYCNC) which also included a 36V PSU and breakout board for just over £300. The only thing you will need is a box to put them all in, I made my own but one or two people use PC cases, wiring them up is a piece of cake. Check out my build log which may give you a few ideas. [ame="http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1058"]My Build - I blame you lot for this....! - MYCNCUK[/ame]


What power are the steppers that they are offering?