Denford Triac VMC with ATC Conversion / Fix

**Chaz** · 09-08-2015

Quick update time.

Machine is running but I need to do more tweaking. Need to recheck the PID control but generally fairly happy. Taken most of the backlash out both mechanically and with Mach 3.

Needed to move the mill but no method available. The engine hoist I bought isnt wide enough. Got an idea to buy some heavy duty castor wheels. Tried to fit them but the metal I wanted to put them on was too flimsy. Came up with a good plan, had some 20mm Alu plate for something else but milled myself 4 plates to basically mate the wheels to the load bearing beams, using the original shafts.

Some pics below, the CNC has now been moved to the location I wanted it in the garage. Last pic is of a new X plate but I ended up having a problem with it, so it wont be used.

**Chaz** · 09-08-2015

I wanted to thank a few people that have made this conversion possible. Its not 100% complete but mostly there. Still need to get ATC working and build a new control panel.

JazzCNC
i2i
Gary from Zapp (please support him)

There have been others too but I would not have completed this conversion without their help.

Many thanks.

**uli12us** · 19-10-2015

Can you post some pics of the ATC parts. I have a (I think) similiar machine with Pickup ATC and know what you need for this part. IIRC aou want to buy 110V solenoids for the pneumatic harness. I would better use only 24V, you can them
connect directly to the PLC output (if the amperage of the Output is enough)

**fidia** · 27-10-2015

Can you post a few pics of the mill in position. Nice idea with the castors. Will do the same to mine I think . What kind of rapid feedrates are you getting on the machine?

**Chaz** · 27-10-2015

Originally Posted by fidia

Can you post a few pics of the mill in position. Nice idea with the castors. Will do the same to mine I think . What kind of rapid feedrates are you getting on the machine?

Ill take some pics of the wheels this weekend.

Feedrates, about 2000mm/min at max before I see PID issues but I dont believe ive tuned the new motors properly. I need a laptop with a serial connector for the software and 2 attempts to use either a USB cable or PCI to Serial connector havent worked.

That said, 2000 is plenty for most operations. I need more spindle rpm / power now ideally as most of my stuff is Alu.

**fidia** · 27-10-2015

Originally Posted by Chaz

Ill take some pics of the wheels this weekend.

Feedrates, about 2000mm/min at max before I see PID issues but I dont believe ive tuned the new motors properly. I need a laptop with a serial connector for the software and 2 attempts to use either a USB cable or PCI to Serial connector havent worked.

That said, 2000 is plenty for most operations. I need more spindle rpm / power now ideally as most of my stuff is Alu.

If you could post some pics of the mill too that would be great.

The 10000rpm spindle on the new Tormach 440 would be really nice on the Denford. I have emailed Tormach to see if it is possible to get one as I would like to fit to my Triac.

**Chaz** · 01-11-2015

Originally Posted by fidia

Can you post a few pics of the mill in position. Nice idea with the castors. Will do the same to mine I think . What kind of rapid feedrates are you getting on the machine?

Some pics below. A bit rushed this weekend, let me know if you want pics of anything specific.

Thanks

**xiteamxi** · 16-03-2017

any update on your build did you finish the atc conversion?

**Chaz** · 16-03-2017

Originally Posted by xiteamxi

any update on your build did you finish the atc conversion?

Hi,

Yes, its fully working with Mach3. Id like to redo some of the wiring but its working as needed. Ive since installed an AC Servo spindle as the DC motor wasnt working well.

**Chaz** · 27-10-2015

Originally Posted by uli12us

Can you post some pics of the ATC parts. I have a (I think) similiar machine with Pickup ATC and know what you need for this part. IIRC aou want to buy 110V solenoids for the pneumatic harness. I would better use only 24V, you can them
connect directly to the PLC output (if the amperage of the Output is enough)

Sorry, are you looking for info or advising me?

I can post pics on the weekend, anything specific you need? There is also a drawing on the Denford main forum that shows how the bits fit together.

Some here:-

http://www.denfordata.com/pdfs/triac..._600dpi_hq.pdf

and

http://www.denfordata.com/bb/viewforum.php?f=47