rung fu clone RF-45 ZX45 cnc conversion

[jumps4]

Steve,

What size rotary table is that? And the stepper ... what is the torque?

Thanks,
Arvid

the table is a 6" from wholesale tools it came with the plates and a tail stock for $299
it is really well built and completely adjustable for backlash and be disengaged to free wheel
the stepper motor is a 880 oz/in nema34
there was nothing to adapting this table it was really easy.
and i did not have to modify the table so i can convert it back to manual
steve

 

[jumps4]

Steve, I'm curious how hard you would rate this conversion?


How would that compare to converting the ZX45 to CNC?

The biggest challenge I see is that most folks tackling conversions already have at least a manual mill or lathe. They can cut the parts they need for a conversion like this. The best I can do is cut aluminum, not steel. Once I had a mill, then I would expect I could pretty much tackle any project. I guess a lathe would be next I see myself being very cash poor for the next few years.

-Freeman (Analias)

this version of the zx45 was really a lot easier than i expected but there are a lot of different versions of this mill all different. I'm sure that is why kits are available by brand only and may not always fix even though you bought that brand. wholesale tools told me they had no idea what was in my crate but it will meet the min requirements. my mill was a lot nicer than the add and was 2hp not the adds 1.5hp.
not one conversion i had read about was much help because my mill was different than theirs and easier to do.
there is no steel in the conversion except the ballscrews i had to cut and grind to fit a end bearing on the x axis. and you can order them to the length and specs you need if you dont mind the wait.
steve

 

[Analias]

So far my searches have shown that WT has the cheapest prices on RF-45 style mills. Everyone else is very proud of their products and charges anywhere from $3500 to $6600 for something matching the ZX45.

If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay in shipping? I know it will vary for location, but I'm looking for a ball park figure.

 

[jumps4]

they are 35 miles from my house i picked it up. if you call the 1-800 number you can talk to them. you might even ask if they have any lease returns. when i was at the local warehouse they had 2 big lathes i believe were lease returns but i didnt ask because i know me i would have brought one home.
steve

 

[jumps4]

You have to make a video of the mill using all four axis on a real part before you call it quits Steve.

Seriously, this will be a vital thread for others wanting to so the same. Thanks for posting such an awesome machine, yet still within reach of most guys on here.

i am planning on making some involute gear cutters on the 9x20 cnc lathe when finished and milling the teeth into them and making a set of gears as a thread when i get all this done but it is going to be a while. i have to also learn how to edit the videos to post them or they will be boring to watch full length.
steve

 

[DaveSohlstrom]

Steave

Take a look at this program. It lets you make gears using end mills and your rotary table. Can also make helic gears.

Dave

http://gearotic.com/ I have no connection to this program.

 

[jumps4]

Steave

Take a look at this program. It lets you make gears using end mills and your rotary table. Can also make helic gears.

Dave

http://gearotic.com/ I have no connection to this program.

thanks i have looked at that before and if i had a use it would be an option i might concider, but i do enjoy making the tools as much as the gears so until i need anything but spur gears it's on the back burner for now.
steve

 

[cjsamples]

New project for you?

Steve,
Great work on this mill. This thread tells me to get off my butt and just do it. I think I found a project you might love. This 4th axis is one of the things that really gets your mind going with ideas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvjnDQoh-7I&feature=plcp

and this video shows just how far you can go with it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3PIdnNwsAg&feature=channel&list=UL

Maybe this will give you a few ideas for your trunnion table.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itJqDwl7X2o&feature=channel&list=UL

Chris

 

[jumps4]

those were pretty interesting i liked the endmill one the best
that is how i grind my involute cutters i make but this mill probably does not have the rpms required
steve

 

[arvidj]

the table is a 6" from wholesale tools it came with the plates and a tail stock for $299
it is really well built and completely adjustable for backlash and be disengaged to free wheel
the stepper motor is a 880 oz/in nema34
there was nothing to adapting this table it was really easy.
and i did not have to modify the table so i can convert it back to manual
steve

Thanks for the details. I have an 8 inch that I want to CNC and was looking for some experienced installations before committing to the components.