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Anyone ever convert a lathe to a cnc machine?
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26 Jan ’16 - 10:12 pm
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While researching lathes I came across these videos. Here is the HF 7x10 cutting plastic.

The larger 8x12

https://youtu.be/IhJT7KA_4rg

the smaller grizzly's converted

the larger grizzly 10x22 G0602 converted

been researching and most of these kits were made by bdtools

http://www.ebay.com/.....Swo6lWLZiA

So I would need a controller and stepper motors, found this kit but it can be pieced together cheaper

http://www.automatio.....xis-kit-sm

Anyone done it? How bad is it?

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icanreachit
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26 Jan ’16 - 11:52 pm
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We had a few mills at my old place of employment that were converted before I got there. 

Software - Mach based - Can use 3dmodeling software and sprutcam or visualmill for generating tool paths

Stepper motors on all axis. Stop switches on all axis. Installation of the stepper motors on the axis did not seem difficult - change out handwheels with motors and transcoders (gearboxes where necessary). Limit switches you will just need to drill and tap.

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27 Jan ’16 - 9:15 am
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Thank ICRI, been perusing this forum for ideas. Not very active but a ton of good threads.

http://www.cnczone.c.....ini-lathe/

these two threads in particular

http://www.cnczone.c.....arted.html

http://www.cnczone.c.....4-cnc.html

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icanreachit
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27 Jan ’16 - 8:52 pm
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Seems straight forward enough. One other thing to think about is upgrading gibs or anything else you can do to take the play out in your X and Y. 

Also, love the I-bolt guide.

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28 Jan ’16 - 9:06 am
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good idea

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icanreachit
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28 Jan ’16 - 10:08 am
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Also, if you don't want to go cnc but want better usability, check out digital read outs. Basically linear encoders.

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28 Jan ’16 - 10:30 am
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this guy McGeveryed one with a digital caliper 

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icanreachit
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28 Jan ’16 - 8:28 pm
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Nice! Can do that for your Z axis as well. Just can't use coolant.

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