If starting from scratch, I'd certainly agree with those who recommend getting a good old machine and converting it to CNC, rather than starting with a lower quality import. I'm starting with a nice old Clausing lathe and converting it to CNC use.
The recommendation to start with an older CNC machine that isn't worn out but may have outdated or broken controls and replacing only the controls with a PC and LinuxCNC has a lot of merit for the best bang for the buck. However, I'm also doing a quick & dirty CNC conversion of a Grizzly G1006 round column bench top mill/drill. Why? Because my shop is in the basement and it would be a major undertaking (with some risk to life and limb!) to get the old milling machine out and a better milling machine in there. My CNC milling machine needs are fairly simple - mostly point to point moves and hole drilling. I won't be doing any complex 3D contour machining or mold making, so the CNC turd polishing of my old import mill/drill should do OK. The biggest problem is the slop in the quill, IMO. Fadal founder David DeCaussin is retired now, and he converted a G1006 into a mini upright machining center. It's the inspiration for anyone wanting to CNC their round column mill/drill. It's fully enclosed with flood cooling, has a touch panel FlashCut CNC user interface, and it has a custom tool changer. http://youtu.be/Qv-0Cjj0S-o (9 minute video) Disclaimer: After converting the G1006 with the idea of selling them to the hobby market, Dave DeCaussin saw the light and changed his design to a scratch built machine based on a heavy square tube weldment. http://youtu.be/b-y03hhCCME (15 minute video) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This SF.net email is sponsored by Windows: Build for Windows Store. http://p.sf.net/sfu/windows-dev2dev _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list [email protected] https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
