tell me about retrofitting for cnc | Construction and DIY projects | Forums

Software & PC - As you mentioned

Limit switches - Avoid runaways, helps to home the machine - not required but definitely recommended.

If you have powerfeed I don't think that you need servos.

Encoders for each axis that can be hooked into the computer. Note that you don't need a DRO if you're going full CNC or hooking up a PC at all as computers will show you what you want.

Stepper motor for any axis without power feed. You can probably build your own kit by looking at one that's recommended for your machine and then machining all of the mating parts (brackets, buy belts, and buy the gears off of McMaster Carr).

Recommended: http://littlemachine.....uctID=3414

A jog dial lets you run it like a manual mill once everything is set up - This allows you to keep manual machining mode without having to have a servo that also allows for manual handwheels or make an overly complex bracket that keeps your handwheels. I'd recommend this one cause I apprenticed under the inventor and if you ever, ever have a problem with it, he'll help you diagnose it.