I had looked at Linux, if I went this route would it just be finding the newest PC with a Parallel port. Can most PC's run Linux? Would the PC see the Lathe and be able to feed it code?
-Brad
-
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[Newbie] Boxford CNC came home with me, what next?
- Thread starter xbartx
- Start date
I had looked at Linux, if I went this route would it just be finding the newest PC with a Parallel port. Can most PC's run Linux? Would the PC see the Lathe and be able to feed it code?
-Brad
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2019
- Messages
- 7,159
I like Linux for a lot of reasons but you need to be willing to put the time into learning it, not that hard but will take a little time. I can point you in the direction of a training course I worked on if you're interested. One added bonus though is Linux and Unix are almost the same as far as commands so you'll have a much better understanding of your Mac if you learn a few Linux commands.
As for hardware, you can find PCIe parallel cards cheap that will go into refurb PC's easy.
I haven't found a PC that won't run Linux yet and I've been at it since 1993, you can make it work on a MAC too but that's kinda redundant. There are tons of used, free PC's out there but there's something to be said for starting with a refurbished unit that is known working.
www.newegg.com
You'll need to check the Linux CNC Wiki to make sure the card you choose will work (I didn't with the one above but if you get one that doesn't it's not hard to exchange it).
If you go the Windows route, Mach 3 is easy to setup but it's no longer being developed, and it's proprietary software with a limited license.
Choice is up to you.
You can also look for a controller card that works with ethernet, might cost a little more and there are some reasons parallel might be better in this application but again, search the Linux CNC wiki and forum for tons of info on what hardware works good.
John
As for hardware, you can find PCIe parallel cards cheap that will go into refurb PC's easy.
I haven't found a PC that won't run Linux yet and I've been at it since 1993, you can make it work on a MAC too but that's kinda redundant. There are tons of used, free PC's out there but there's something to be said for starting with a refurbished unit that is known working.
Refurbished: Dell Optiplex 3050 SFF Desktop, Intel Quad-Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Upto 3.6GHz, 16GB DDR4, 1TB SSD, DVD-Writer, Display Port, HDMI, Wifi, Bluetooth, USB, Windows 10 Pro 64Bit (Renewed) - Newegg.com
Buy Refurbished: Dell Optiplex 3050 SFF Desktop, Intel Quad-Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Upto 3.6GHz, 16GB DDR4, 1TB SSD, DVD-Writer, Display Port, HDMI, Wifi, Bluetooth, USB, Windows 10 Pro 64Bit (Renewed) with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!
You'll need to check the Linux CNC Wiki to make sure the card you choose will work (I didn't with the one above but if you get one that doesn't it's not hard to exchange it).
If you go the Windows route, Mach 3 is easy to setup but it's no longer being developed, and it's proprietary software with a limited license.
Choice is up to you.
You can also look for a controller card that works with ethernet, might cost a little more and there are some reasons parallel might be better in this application but again, search the Linux CNC wiki and forum for tons of info on what hardware works good.
John
Trying to work out as many issues I can before I decide what path to take.
The spindle motor will not run in forward, reverse does run, It looks like a issue with the relay. It is a latching relay and hear & see it tripping the relay when I switch between forward and reverse. A 4 pole relay using a socket, the part looks obsolete and expensive. I might try using 2- 2 pole relays in its place.
The rotary tool turret was not lining up with the spindle, I took it apart to see if I could tell what was happening. I found 3 loose washers inside ( still not sure what they were used for). I looks like there was a spring or something missing from the ratchet mechanism that pushes the pawl out ( I put a spare spring in and seems to be working. The pawl gets pushed out as it rotates forward and after it clears the ratchet briefly goes in rev and stops at the back side of the ratchet.
The X axis was sluggish when using the rapid movement. It seems worst lower down. I figured I would clean the drive screw and as I pulled out the screw and bearings out popped a couple very small ball bearings ( do the go here were I've indicated?, hopefully they didn't come from inside the bearing )
After I did this I noticed the gibs, that might have been the answer. I'll know after I put it back together.
Are the screws on the little "X" and "Y" plaques some kind of adjustment?
The spindle motor will not run in forward, reverse does run, It looks like a issue with the relay. It is a latching relay and hear & see it tripping the relay when I switch between forward and reverse. A 4 pole relay using a socket, the part looks obsolete and expensive. I might try using 2- 2 pole relays in its place.
The rotary tool turret was not lining up with the spindle, I took it apart to see if I could tell what was happening. I found 3 loose washers inside ( still not sure what they were used for). I looks like there was a spring or something missing from the ratchet mechanism that pushes the pawl out ( I put a spare spring in and seems to be working. The pawl gets pushed out as it rotates forward and after it clears the ratchet briefly goes in rev and stops at the back side of the ratchet.
The X axis was sluggish when using the rapid movement. It seems worst lower down. I figured I would clean the drive screw and as I pulled out the screw and bearings out popped a couple very small ball bearings ( do the go here were I've indicated?, hopefully they didn't come from inside the bearing )
After I did this I noticed the gibs, that might have been the answer. I'll know after I put it back together.
Are the screws on the little "X" and "Y" plaques some kind of adjustment?
I got the lathe working manually now. After spending a bit of time looking online at a CNC update. I'm leaning toward a Centroid Acorn controller, Stepperonline stepper motors and drivers. It will require a inexpensive PC and their lathe software. The looks like a easier path to get this up and running.
I can do this for about $700. I will try to use the existing spindle motor and speed controller, hopefully be able to run the speed controller through the Acorn controller.
I can do this for about $700. I will try to use the existing spindle motor and speed controller, hopefully be able to run the speed controller through the Acorn controller.