Bridgeport Manual to CNC conversion...

[Davek0974]

Any ideas for encoder mounting?

I was thinking of coming off the end of the motor shaft - there is an M10 threaded hole in it, then connecting the encoder to the shaft. I'm not sure if a rigid connection is a good idea though, is a coupling of some sort better here??

The other option is a 36t HTD5 pulley bored out to 35mm to fit the spindle shaft and mount this between the spindle drive pulley and the old lower vari-disk/brake disk in the head then mount the encoder out the front where the old speed control used to live using another 36t pulley. Not as cosmetic as the motor shaft idea but??

Any thoughts?

[Boyan Silyavski]

I remember when once was looking into that, that there were encoders that could count straight from the HTD pulley teeth. though there was some limit on the speed, but i think you are in. Though cant remember more for them right now

[Davek0974]

Probably, i already have the encoder though ;)

[m_c]

Read the installation requirements for the encoder.
Depending on the style of encoder, there are different installation requirements.

[Davek0974]

Thanks, was just looking for ideas - the encoder is a rugged little unit with self-supporting shaft capable of something like 15N radial loading which is pretty tight for a belt.

I'll try the motor shaft idea first as i have the bits for that, if i need pulleys i'll have to order some up.

[m_c]

You'll probably want some kind of flexible coupler for that style of encoder, as unless you can guarantee very accurate alignment, you'll likely kill the encoder pretty quickly.

An encoder with a separate disc/reading head would of been a better choice for mounting directly onto a shaft.

[Davek0974]

Thanks,

I have seen the actual encoder body mounted on a spring plate presumably to allow for small misalignment

I will get a flex coupling in there.