Precision Matthews PM-728VT CNC conversion

[pmistry]

As for the 1/2" keys for the vise, I do NOT think they will work in the 12mm slots. If someone knows otherwise please chime in because I am also interested in mounting keys for my DX4 vise.

Good afternoon Fellas.
I can confirm the 1/2" keys if truly 1/2" in measure will not fit in the slots of the table. I had to purchase a metric clamping set. Here's a picture of what I purchased and it barely fits as the tolerances were very tight.

 

[koenbro]

[...] I’ll have to make a spanner to properly tighten them, but good enough for now.

This is the spanner I used for the precision nuts on the axes:

6975A12

 

[koenbro]

[mention]koenbro [/mention] I think I am actually going to chicken out of the mass for the time being and mimic your acorn setup, main reason being I like the wireless pendant option better. I’m simultaneously building an airplane and often need to manually mill some brackets or special tooling. Also very interested if you can essentially control the system like a power feed for refacing surfaces.

For reference, this is my Acorn setup. Also got their eStop which is high quality, and added a link to the power draw bar.

item	part #	cost​
Acorn CNC controller kit		$ 329​
Acorn Mill "Pro" CNC Software license	14457​	$ 159​
WMPG-4 Wireless MPG CNC control pendant		$ 299​
KP-3 kit for use with Acorn	14946​	$ 699​
C86ACCP board		$48​
TOTAL		$ 1,534​
Estop Button with 2 contact closures	14534​	$ 45​
Priest Drawbar PM 728 VT		$ 799​

I do NOT recommend the PM 0-10V spindle control board. I have it and it does not allow fine tuning. Get instead a KBSI-240D Signal Isolation Board 115/230v-ac 0-10v-dc.

The MPG and the KP-3 probe are invaluable. I did not know anything about Acorn before the conversion, but I understand now why they have such a loyal following: the system is good value and integrates very well.

And yes you can use the mill like a manual with power feed using the MPG.

 

[adamyq]

This is the spanner I used for the precision nuts on the axes:

6975A12

Added that with the couplers. Anything else I should tack on to my McMaster order?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[koenbro]

Shims to level the machine and correct the nod: 97235K816
Loctite 638.

Not necessary just nice to have: Bellows 1320K111


At some point a precision reference ring, but we can talk later when tooling comes into the conversation. As a preview, I do not recommend R8, get TTS instead. Then some TTS compatible touch off indicator and this: 2266A76

 

[adamyq]

Shims to level the machine and correct the nod: 97235K816
Loctite 638.

Not necessary just nice to have: Bellows 1320K111


At some point a precision reference ring, but we can talk later when tooling comes into the conversation. As a preview, I do not recommend R8, get TTS instead. Then some TTS compatible touch off indicator and this: 2266A76

Are these for the stand feet?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[koenbro]

Are these for the stand feet?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Shims are mostly for the nod. I also used them for leveling the granite slab on the metal stand, but that will not apply to you -- althought this begs the question: What are you going to mount the mill? Are you planning an enclosure, and will you use coolant?

Also, I am sure you recognize, but I feel better stating the obvious again: I am very much a noob who has never seen a mill before starting this project, much less used one. There are on this forum ppl with decades of experience, and I don't want to sound like I have the answers, cause I don't. I had tons of fun making this conversion and learned A LOT, and the end result is decent for a home gamer, that's all.

 

[adamyq]

I’ve got a weird workshop setup for the moment with the airplane build, so I have to be able to move everything around. I got the PM base and built riser on a mobile base (similar setup on my previous mill). I’d clamp it to some channel on the wall for stability, but could unclamp it and move it as needed if I have to work on a longer component (horizontal stabilizer or wing).

I obviously haven’t trammed or even mic’d the table yet.

Circling back to an earlier question - do those grease fittings in fact go directly on the double bearings?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[koenbro]

Circling back to an earlier question - do those grease fittings in fact go directly on the double bearings?

Don't remember, and not sure what a grease fitting is. Can you pls look at the PM instruction sheet and tell me what item number is that?

 

[adamyq]

Don't remember, and not sure what a grease fitting is. Can you pls look at the PM instruction sheet and tell me what item number is that?

They don’t appear anywhere on the drawing but they definitely exist.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk