- Joined
- Feb 16, 2015
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- 20
What parts would I need? I know it tells me but it sure doesn't tell me model numbers or anything..
Thanks!
-
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So I watched this video and now I want my M head to CNC. Help
- Thread starter John Caven
- Start date
What parts would I need? I know it tells me but it sure doesn't tell me model numbers or anything..
Thanks!
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2013
- Messages
- 837
It's not hard to do yourself if you want to take the time to study up on building the control and don't mind wiring. Plan on spending at least $1k on parts and making your own mounts. I think it's funny that everyone wants CNC these days. I have one and spend less time making parts on my manual Bridgeports than it takes to program and set the CNC up.
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Andre
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The M head is not nearly as stout as the J; they also take a small spindle taper (7BS, 2MT, or B-3) so their collet capacity is only 1/2" max. If you want to hog a lot of metal with a 1/2" endmill you'll quickly find it's not too efficient.
That video just shows power feeding, you can get power feed motors for around $300. Super nice units, you can walk away and do something else (with table overtravel stops set!) and go fetch a mike or other tool without worrying about even machining marks.
I had a job within the year, involving a long dovetail. The only dovetail cutter I had was a 5/8" shank - too big to fit in my M head mill. I had to go over to a friends to use his 2J2 mill. Running a 1.25" dovetail cutter 2200 RPM feeding 30+ IPM (left an amazing finish even though I was exceeding recommended surface speeds) was nice and all but it was an inconvenience. Especially because I can't drive yet so dad had to wait in the car for 3 hours.
If you choose to convert it to CNC, please keep us up to date on the conversion. I'd like a CNC Taig mill one of these days for engraving and I'd like to CNC it myself as a learning experience.
That video just shows power feeding, you can get power feed motors for around $300. Super nice units, you can walk away and do something else (with table overtravel stops set!) and go fetch a mike or other tool without worrying about even machining marks.
I had a job within the year, involving a long dovetail. The only dovetail cutter I had was a 5/8" shank - too big to fit in my M head mill. I had to go over to a friends to use his 2J2 mill. Running a 1.25" dovetail cutter 2200 RPM feeding 30+ IPM (left an amazing finish even though I was exceeding recommended surface speeds) was nice and all but it was an inconvenience. Especially because I can't drive yet so dad had to wait in the car for 3 hours.
If you choose to convert it to CNC, please keep us up to date on the conversion. I'd like a CNC Taig mill one of these days for engraving and I'd like to CNC it myself as a learning experience.