My G0704 CNC upgrades and conversion

More progress:). I machined and completed the gusset plates that are intended to increase column stiffness in the X direction. They will eventually be bolted down to the base by additional holes located away from the 4 center mounting bolts

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Taking a skim pass to bring to final dimensions

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Facing the ends to also bring to final dimensions

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Measuring to confirm I can do simple math with a calculator and DRO :)

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Set up to cut the same 7 degree angle on 2 different pieces

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Two completed support gusset plates :eagerness:

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New column in its current state.

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Size comparison difference
 
I had to look up the G0704 to get an idea of what you are beginning with. Major improvement in strength! I have a similar mill on my combo & am glad to find you making these improvements.
 
BROCKWOOD said:
I had to look up the G0704 to get an idea of what you are beginning with. Major improvement in strength! I have a similar mill on my combo & am glad to find you making these improvements.
Click to expand...

Everyone says the column is one of the weakest stuctural links in the G0704. When doing my initial modeling to do a CNC conversion, I was surprised how thin the walls are in the casting. If I'm going to spend the time to do it, might as well over do it :encourage:
 
Well it has been a few months from my last post. I have been patiently saving for the servo motors. I decided to go with DMM 400W Nema 23 servo motors on the X/Y axis and a DMM 750W Nema 34 servo motor on the Z axis. These will be power by the DMM DYN2 servo drives with 60V power supplies. I have to give the DMM customer support a big thanks for helping me out. IMO....they went out of their way to satisfy this customer.

Seeing what others have done on the forum, specifically macardoso and shooter 123456, I went ahead and got an Allen Bradley 2kw/5000 rpm spindle servo motor and 2kw servo drive. I want to thank macardoso for helping me out trouble shooting the drive and his support to me. I don't have much to show for it yet, but i'm getting there slowly

Servo motors.JPG
 
I have been able to do machining over the last month to have completed ( almost) 2 parts that will be used on the new column. The first is the adapter plate to attach the spindle to the column. I decided to enlarge upgrade the size of bolts used to secure the spindle by going with M12 bolts vs a mix of M10s & M12. I'm using studs right now but may change to bolts down the road. I just have to drill and tap a few more holes for attachment of cable routing clips, covers to protest the ballscrew/linear guides from chips and do finish pass on the top side of the adapter plate. I'm working on using a 3D printer and thin sheetmetal to make way covers found on VMCs. I didn't leave enough space to used bellows and don't want to use rubber strips. With my design, I can get ~10" travel that compresses down to less than 3". Once I have the test parts printed, i'll share my concept with everyone.
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This is a great build thread.
Any updates to share?


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I totally hear you there!
Family must always come first.
Glad that you’re still on the project.


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