WM14 mods to Z way with a stepper

[HS93]

I have problems getting my arm up high enough to turn the handle on the z way on my new mill , so I decided to fit a stepper motor,It  has been done so that it can still be  opperated manualy  it is just a 6 mm plate with a ballrace and the one of the original thrust bearing plus a smaller one to replace one of the original the gear has the back machined out for the thrust plus a keyway cut, it all goes together , Simmples    I am using my RT controller for now to test it but have the stepper and a unit to controle in ready to box up (hands have been a bit stiff) so when I fit the buttons on the head ill post again.

                                   Peter

http://www.youtube.com/user/onehs93?feature=mhsn

[Stilldrillin]

Nicely/ neatly remedied Peter! 

I do a lot of straightforward drilling, and one of the reasons I bought another Conquest was the Z axis, side handle.

David D

[HS93]

this has a handle for drilling  as well, plus a fine feed on the quill.    I should be able to program it to drill to a set depth if needed, but the main reason is because I cannot reach the handle to move the head up and down, I am also putting a stepper on the bed as a power feed, but will still be able to use it manualy.

Peter

[Stilldrillin]

Peter.
I understand your type of machine has only around 2" quill travel.

My drilling handle and fine feed move the head. Handy having full vertical travel, for hopping over r/t chuck jaws. between holes.

I don't have your problems. But, didn't fancy having to regularly stretch to the top of the machine for Z adjustment.....

David D

[DaveH]

Peter,

You have done a nice job on that.

Always good when a plan comes together ....... and it works

 
DaveH

[HS93]

this is for  martink
It was simple to do I removed the top plate and made a new one in aly with a bearing(ballrace flanged) in the centre I did a 2 to 1 belt drive with T5 belts the motor came from http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Stepper-Motors/Stepper-Motors     the 180 n
the driver came off ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stepping-Motor-Speed-Regulator-Reversible-Direction-CW-CCW-Stepper-Pulse-/320879363082?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ab5e6840a they also do the drive board http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CNC-DC12-34V-3A-Single-Axis-Stepper-Motor-Drive-based-on-TB6560-for-4-6-8-lead-/320918218100?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ab8376574
then just use a old lap top power supply they are simple to connect up and even come with pre made wires back to the handle if you use a standard T5 belt drive from http://www.hpcgears.com/products/pulleys_belts.htm the gear is driled out to fit the z axis and a grove filed in for the key I then fitted a few grub screws to make shore it was tight .if you need any more specific help just ask I may have some pictures somewhere
Peter

[martink]

Thank you for the details, Peter. No doubt you'll be getting a few PM's from me when I've saved some of my pocket money. That's if I can get SWMBO to give me some.

[ibuildstuff4u]

I'm looking to do a similar build to my X2 milling machine for a power feed for the table.  I could use a DC motor, but I think the stepper motor would provide more low speed torque and a better speed control. 

I was looking at the same controller as your build but also found this one that is a lot cheaper.  I may pick one up to see if it would work.
[url]http://www.ebay.com/itm/330528895509?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_4170wt_1165/url]

[HS93]

I'm looking to do a similar build to my X2 milling machine for a power feed for the table.  I could use a DC motor, but I think the stepper motor would provide more low speed torque and a better speed control. 

I was looking at the same controller as your build but also found this one that is a lot cheaper.  I may pick one up to see if it would work.
[url]http://www.ebay.com/itm/330528895509?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_4170wt_1165/url]

Yep got one of them, ut if you look at the ctr board it comes with leads to connect to the one I am using so easy peasy for someone who does not like stepper drivers, simple is best  also i think the one I have chosen may put out a bit more power.
no problems martink just ask

peter