[crazyjoe86]

I recently acquired this lathe, but all I've been able to achieve is getting the spindle turning in manual, and in computer mode, where it runs at full speed...haven't be able to get either the x or y to move...was wondering what the easiest way to retro this to run on Mach 3, would be....could I just hook up a breakout board to the stepper drivers?...if so what would be the best way to do this....I understand the basics and that's about it...lol....I've searched this forum and the internet, and information on these is rather scarce...any help in this matter would be most appreciated...thanks for your time...

[blades]

Nice looking lathe! If you can find out what size steppers it has, you may be able to hook up a Gecko G540 or other controller to it, if you can't get the existing ones to communicate with a PC.

[crazyjoe86]

Looks like I'm going to try this Hi Speed Parallel Port CNC Breakout Board from XYDrive.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hi-Speed-Paralle...item3f02ec44de

I've emailed with the seller a bunch and he's been extremely helpful....If my drivers don't work I'll try his stepper drivers and finally if I have to I'll replace the motors...does anybody have an idea of how much holding torque I'll need...not sure what size nema 23's to buy...thanks again for the help...

[knudsen]

google any numbers you can find on the motors, and if you're lucky, you will find some specs. Otherwise, bigger is better!

[crazyjoe86]

Pulled one of the motors...and realized there was a sticker under the D&M Computing sticker......the white spot I believe said NO 7207..Look like there are 6 wires coming out of the frame..I guess I have some researching to do....

[crazyjoe86]

Looks like it's 69 oz ...that's not very strong I'm assuming?....