I bought a small desktop mill a couple of years ago in a state surplus
auction. I think it turned out to be a much better buy than I expected.
The hardware (see below) seems to be OK except a Dell GX-270 computer
that was apparently used as a controller but will not boot and the
spindle controller was missing. The spindle controller I got on line in
Japan for a good price from a dealer who would not export it. I had it
sent to a friend in Japan who forwarded it to me. The spindle and
controller now test out OK at least for manual control. The controller
digital interface has not been tested.
The mill is a US made Minitech Mill3 (12x9x9 inch travel) with a
Nakanishi NR303 + EN25-5000 variable speed (Max 30000 rpm) spindle using
a E2530 spindle controller. It has a tool setter.
The steppers and driver system are Keling hardware:
An unlabeled control box with E-stop switch, parallel port, 9 pin
connector and 4 each 4 pin connector, contains:
KL-600-48 power supply with 48V 12.5A, 5V and 12V outputs;
a parallel port interface card (KL-DB25 or clone think);
4 each KL-5056D stepper drivers.
3 of the 4 pin connectors go to KL23H276-30-4A stepper motors on the
mill; the 4^th is not connected. On the KL-5056 micro-stepping and
current are set with 8 switches. (3 controlling peak current, one
reducing current at standstill and 4 controlling micro-stepping) Now
only switches 6 and 7 are set on, which I think translates to lowest
peak current (1.4A), reduced standstill current and 1/10 stepping.
My background is a math/physics education. I’m now 81 and retired from
an aerospace systems engineering career mostly dealing sensor systems.
My “machining” experience is limited to some work with a NC router using
Mach2/3 on an old Dell GX1. I mostly generate G-code files with software
I write in Java. I plan to use the mill to cut molds for casting glass
objects and for making some small decorative items in soapstone, metal
and hardwoods.
My preliminary plan is to initially set up and test the mill with
available computer hardware, with LinuxCNC 10.4 in Dell pentium
computer. I have several GX1, Gx150 and GX270 computers available. As
an intermediate step I am considering using an A/B switch or second
parallel port on the router computer. Then after everything is working
select/find an appropriate computer and move to a recent version of
LinuxCNC. I do not expect to use the control computer for much else. (It
can be cold out in the garage where I have the machines set up.)
I could some help and advice.
Questions:
1. Any comments or recommendations on the above plan?
2. Suggestions on the range where acceleration and velocity should be
for rapid moves?
3. Any notes or suggestions from somebody who is familiar with the mill
or the spindle?
Thanks for any help,
Craig Kernan
Enumclaw, WA. (just north of Mt. Rainier)
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