Hi there.
I am a newbie to this group so forgive me if I don't use the "normal" protocol.
I have recently converted an old U.K.Elliot (Linley U.S.) mini jig borer to CNC and am very pleased with its performance apart from one area which I will detail below.
I am using TurboCad/Cam and Mach 3.
All axis are driven by stepper motors and the machine has accuratly produced a range of items from 1.5 x 3 mm brass componets right up to 4 mild steel locomotive coupling rods just under 8 inches in length and 0.375 thick.
The problem I am having occurs when I try to plunge a slot drill into mild steel or even brass when making a pocket. The Z axis stepper motor intermittantly stalls. I have tried different feed rates and spindle speeds with no sucess. I have also tried different motor settings on Mach 3 motor tuning.
The stepper motor is directly coupled to the quill feed in place of the original handwheel. The quill uses a helical gear to produce the vertical movement.
Is it that the srepper motor I am using has insuffient power?
Things I have considred, but am not sure about:
* Should I try a reduction gear to produce more torque before going for a more powerful motor.
* Would "pecking" when plunging be a solution, though TurboCam wont let me using pecking with a mill. I would have to insert the G code manually.
I am sure someone must have had a similar problem to this and I am keen to hear from anyone who can help.
Adrian