Boxford TCL 125

[JAZZCNC]

I wouldn't waste any time on it just gut it.!!
IME These things are like a box of chocolates and no two are ever the same and you don't know what's been messed or what works or doesn't unless you have seen it working.

Fit 2 x new drives run it on Linux CNC with a couple of parallel ports using £5 BOBS and away you go. Linux CNC is far better for lathe's than Mach3 as it allows multi-count encoders for things like spindle speed or MPG's.
Now I'm a long time Mach3 user and some would say fanboy, so for me to say Linux is better is like pulling teeth with pliers but it's a fact. Thou it's got a bit of a learning curve it will be the better option than Mach3 and much cheaper.

[John11668]

I wouldn't waste any time on it just gut it.!!
IME These things are like a box of chocolates and no two are ever the same and you don't know what's been messed or what works or doesn't unless you have seen it working.

Fit 2 x new drives run it on Linux CNC with a couple of parallel ports using £5 BOBS and away you go. Linux CNC is far better for lathe's than Mach3 as it allows multi-count encoders for things like spindle speed or MPG's.
Now I'm a long time Mach3 user and some would say fanboy, so for me to say Linux is better is like pulling teeth with pliers but it's a fact. Thou it's got a bit of a learning curve it will be the better option than Mach3 and much cheaper.

Hi Jazz and thanks for that. (and to depronman )
I was sort of coming to that conclusion that I might need to start afresh, but from the diagrams it seems the spindle selection is run through the boards so just wanting to be sure that If I pitch the boards, I can arrange alternative signals for spindle forward / reverse , speed up , slow down.

Does Linux CNC run in a windows environment or do I have to install a linux operating system too?
Excuse the ignorance on this . My IT skills are limited .

[JAZZCNC]

Hi John,

Linux CNC using the Linux operating system. I would suggest you buy a cheap PC to run it on rather than dual booting with a windows PC.

I won't blow smoke and say straight off there is a bit of a learning curve to Linux CNC and I'm not an expert on it either so won't be much help, but it's got a very good Forum and there are a few Linux users on this forum, Clive S is the Linux CNc guru and if you go this route I'm sure he'll point you in the right direction.

Regards the Spindle controller then it will be simple enough to re-use, forward, and the reverse is done using Contacotors that are controlled with Outputs from the controller and the BOB will provide 0-10V signal required for speed control. This is standard stuff and nothing special or difficult to implement.

The only bit that will get more difficult is if you want to re-use the Jog buttons etc on the front panel rather than using from the screen. Well, it's not actually more difficult and easy enough to do but does mean you require more I/O so you might need a different board like a Mesa card which provides more I/O. But that would be the case no matter which controller you used.!

I suggest you go to the Linux CNC forum and have a look around. Linux CNC can get deep but it's infinitely scalable with the right Mesa cards and there are some very clever people who support it.!

[John11668]

Linux does sound a bit intimidating when and maybe a further complication. I think I would like to get this machine up and running before going to another level.
I have been thinking out of the box
My mill table has plugs on the drive board for each axis cable .




If I were to make two leads to plug into x and z sockets and connect to x and z motors on the lathe then I should at least be able to test the axis motors .
I do have Mach 3 on the computer so should be able to call up a Lathe profile and set it up.

I might not even need to buy any gear at all. A good Yorkshire solution maybe , but must be careful not to upset the Lancashire men

[Doddy]

but must be careful not to upset the Lancashire men

My tuppeneth... Yes, derisk and debug with a known state. I do think LinuxCNC may be something to consider down the line (I use it on my ML7) but walk before you can run.

Just remember to set the motor current appropriately.

[depronman]

Linux does sound a bit intimidating when and maybe a further complication. I think I would like to get this machine up and running before going to another level.
I have been thinking out of the box
My mill table has plugs on the drive board for each axis cable .




If I were to make two leads to plug into x and z sockets and connect to x and z motors on the lathe then I should at least be able to test the axis motors .
I do have Mach 3 on the computer so should be able to call up a Lathe profile and set it up.

I might not even need to buy any gear at all. A good Yorkshire solution maybe , but must be careful not to upset the Lancashire men

It should work for testing
Long term it would not be a great solution
Are the stepper voltages similar?

Re linuxcnc for a basic setup the step and configure wizard will work perfectly
Download the package and burn it to a DVD then pop it in a laptop or desktop and let it boot from the cd. You will be able to run a ‘test’ version to get a feel for it before you install it to a hard drive
I can talk you through the very basics of linuxcnc if it helps
Paul


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Clive S]

This is one of the best and easiest to use linuxcnc Mint 19.3. Download

http://cnc.beaglebrainz.net/cdimage/...pace-64bit.iso

Then use https://www.balena.io/etcher/ This will make a bootable usb stick

Then set the bios in the PC to boot from USB

its as simple as that.

[JAZZCNC]

If you have the drives already then it's a no brainer to use for both. Clive S did this for years and run a Mill and Lathe from same Control box using a change over switch. Obviously you can't run both together but how likely are you to ever do that.?

Like Depronman says for a basic setup the Linux CNC Config Wizzard is easy enough to use and it costs nothing to try. You already have a working machine and know all the I/O pins so just try a Config with the settings for your Router and plug into a parallel port. Lathe is pretty much the same just less axis.

[John11668]

Will give it a try if only to prove the steppers.
Then maybe play a while maybe before I try linux. I suspect I will need some hand-holding if /when I get to that stage .
The computer I am using here cost me £50 3 years ago , and if initially I am not paying for drivers another one at £40 from Ebay isn't gonna break the budget.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dell-Opti....c100005.m1851

And part of the cost will be getting paid by the guy who told me this was a working machine , only he doesnt know it yet.
What sort of a machine spec will I need to run linux and Am I better with 32bit or 64

And PS Anyone fancy a pair of Boxford boards to fix ?????