Rebuilding gantry type Suregrave engraver - advice needed!

[JAZZCNC]

Hi Gordon,

Ok well first off let me explain the Controller side and what your options are. Because your using Win7 which I assume will be 64bit version, if so then you can't use the parallel port driver for mach3 as it's not compatible with 64bit win7. So this rules out the cheap option if you do want to use Mach3.

This means you need an external motion control board or some adapter like the UC100 from CNC drive which lets you use USB and converts it to same pin out as a parallel port. This would be the cheapest option for Mach3, it also allows you to use there own UCCNC software which is actually better than Mach3 now.
http://cncdrive.com/UC100.html

However, I wouldn't advise this approach as I'm not a fan of USB for a CNC machine. Ethernet-based motion controllers are much more reliable so in this case, I'd suggest using an AXBB from the same company. This will do everything you want and provides a speed reference voltage for the spindle controller (which I'll come to soon)
http://cncdrive.com/AXBB.html

Then a third option and by far the cheapest but will require another PC ideally, which you can pick up a refurb PC for like £50. This is called Linux CNC.
It's free and it will allow you to run from the parallel port. However, it does have a bit of a learning curve to install and not something I'd recommend to a new user unless they have help from someone with experience. Thou it is do-able by a new user with just maybe a bit more head-scratching.!

The actual working of the control software regard using the machine and cutting parts is simple enough and it works just like Mach3 and all the other control software. Don't be intimidated by the control software, any of them, as it's very simple to use in practice. It's the setup of the machine that requires a deeper knowledge of the inner workings and we can help with that.

Regards the Drives then most drives will run those steppers but you will need to decide on the voltage you intend to run them on. These would be a good choice for those motors and run them on 40-44Vdc. The PSU in your existing controller may be usable but without seeing it then can't say. Many of these types of bespoke control systems use AC transformers and then Rectify to DC on the control board it's self. You may be able to re-use the transformer and just add a bridge rectifier and Caps to give the DC voltage you require.
https://www.cnc4you.co.uk/Microstepp...tepping-CW5045

Now comes the potential fly in the ointment.!! . . . . That spindle motor looks like a brushed DC motor so it will have a Brushed DC speed control drive. You need to identify the control board and see if it can be re-used and what type of reference voltage it requires. Many of these types of drive require an Isolated speed reference voltage and if you get it wrong will easily damage any board supplying the reference voltage not mention they often working at mains potential so can be lethal if you are not sure what you are doing and stick your fingers in the wrong places.!!

This needs careful examination and it may mean either a new BDC drive or replacing the whole spindle and drive with something different.

Now regards the current machine then if it's working or in need of just a few parts then it may be worth contacting these people because they know everything about these types of machines and may possibly have the spares you require. They are family-run super helpful people and the old man as forgot more about engraving machines than most so-called experts know.
http://www.pantograph.co.uk/

I hope this helps and if you do continue down the conversion route then posting a little more info about what's in the control box and good pics will help.