[modelengco]

Hello Everyone,
I am a complete newbie to CNC
Recently having purchased a Proxxon Micro Miller MF70 want to convert it to 3-axis CNC.

It would be of great help if anyone could guide me in the right direction as to what to procure in order to accomplish the CNC conversion.

Here is what I plan to buy:

1 x 24V/10A switching power supply
3 x 1 Axis TB6560 stepper motor driver
3 x 57HS76 3A 270 oz/in stepper motor
1 x 5 axis Mach3 compatible breakout board
1 x DB25 parallel cable
1 x USB cable
3 x signal cables
3 X NEMA23 stepper motor mounting brackets
6 X limit switches
1 X E stop switch
3 X suitable flexible couplers
1 X Mach3 USB handwheel manual controller

Thanks in advance

[aarggh]

Just for starters I'd strongly suggest not buying any TB6560 based drivers, unless your looking forward to several months troubleshooting before you end up buying another decent driver like a G540 or the ones James Newton sells.

cheers, Ian

[Fastest1]

I agree with aarggh, Go for the max voltage of the drivers too.

The G540 or MX3660 are great products that wont be issues in the long run.

If money is an issue, look into 1 of Dave Rigotti's kits. The Hobby CNC Pro kit is all inclusive and is pretty easy to assemble with an online support forum (this is the most frustrating part but it does work, just not as quickly as you would like at times). I built 1 of those as my first. It still runs well after years. It has run lathes, mills and a 3D printer.

Skip the peripherals at first (USB jog controllers and the like) Stick to just the basics of what you need for this phase of operation. As in 1st you will need the machine, BOB/drivers or combined unit, steppers and some wire. In time you will find better parts, practices and information. Making choices of what you need in the very beginning can be regretful. You will be able to jog your machine very accurately with the keys on your keyboard or by way of a very inexpensive PS2 or other games hand controls. I am not saying dont get these things eventually, just not now. Kind of like leaving the hand wheels on a machine when converting to CNC. EVERYONE thinks they will come in handy, NO ONE uses them after the first time they press a key for machine movement.

Rather than using a flexible coupler (helically cut spring). Look for an Oldham or 3 piece unit. They usually use an Acetal or similar spider. Very durable.

[modelengco]

Thanks aarggh & Fastest1, I now have dropped the idea of procuring a whole bunch of troubles along with the TB6560 boards, and am giving Dave Rigotti's combo offers a thought. Not sure if he ships to India.
Regards
Paul Nilanjan

[modelengco]

finally I bought the following and configured Mach3 on win7
1. 3-axis Rhino BOB for parallel port x 1pc
2. Stepper drivers from Rhino x 3pc
3. 1.9Nm 2.8A stepper motors x 3pc
4. 24V DC 10A PSU x 1pc
Here is the link to the video of the electronics setup test.

CNC 3-axis electronics test setup - YouTube

Attachment 258172

Attachment 258174


Next step try the machanical conversion of my Proxxon MF70 mill.
Regards
Paul Nilanjan

[Fastest1]

After you are up and running, if the movements seem slow. Up the power supply to a 48v if you can. You will get better performance from your steppers.

[Tkamsker]

I am late did you Look at usovo ...

[modelengco]

the cnc control unit is now complete.
here's a photo of the control box Attachment 263322
Now comes the tough part... attaching the motors to the 3 lead screws...
More as I move ahead.
Regards
Paul Nilanjan

[wizard]

Those motors look pretty big for that little Proxxon, it will be interesting to see how you mount them.

the cnc control unit is now complete.
here's a photo of the control box
Now comes the tough part... attaching the motors to the 3 lead screws...
More as I move ahead.
Regards
Paul Nilanjan

[Tkamsker]

I have Mine Running with a ramps board and marlin ... next step is beaglebone ...

[modelengco]

here is the photo of the machine now...fitted the 3 servo motors.. tried some simple engraving..will post links to the video.
next step is to attach the machine to a 16" X 16" X 0.25" ground steel base plate that I have prepared.
Regards
Paul

[modelengco]

and here is the link to the machine test video
="http://youtu.be/Bk7nS-Hw7mc"