Just acquired a small CNC

[Seabass]

Hey guys screwing around Craigslist, I found this benchtop CNC for cheap. Went to look at it and did some research, not a bad small machine. The mill had a broken brace which supported the motor that can be easily fixed.

The main issue with the mill is, it is an old model that runs on computer software and hardware which is ancient and impossible to update, get fixes, etc. Have no fear though, I went out to CNCZone and sure enough I found a guy who has the same model machine who has successfully retrofitted the machine to accept a Windows operating system as well as current controllers and software.

He just sent me everything I need to do the retrofit and it shouldn't be more than $150. By the time I am finished with the retrofit, the machine will be running like a champ. I have hardly nothing into this so it is pretty much a gimme when comparing what a similar machine costs.

[klavy69]

cool find Jake. Looks like you'll be set when you get back
Todd

[GoMachV]

Congrats! That is great!

[scr8p]

cool

[Seabass]

It doesn't have a huge amount of travel. It is not big but I will definately be able to make parts on it which makes me very happy.

Z (Up and Down) about 8 inches
Y (away and back) 3 - 4 inches
X (side to side) 8 inches

I am going to mill a new bracket to support the motor and work on doing the conversion. I already have the computer and software to run the thing, just need to do some rewiring and a a new contol box.

Jake

[THUNDERSTRIKE1]

No telln what you will be turning out next!!!! Dang thats a deal.Wish id have known been a few in my area lately.DON

[Jay Dub]

Basically the exact same thing as mine . I went the same route as you too. Old machine (same model), I built my own controller, new steppers, etc. LMK if you need any advice as I have already gone down this road... -Jeff

[Seabass]

Thanks Jeff, I will actually hit you up in the next day or so, I am curious about your machine as well. I got the plans for what I need to convert it and will start working on the computer tomorrow reinstalling the OS, installing software, removing all the unwanted garbage that comes with a PC, etc. I need to purchase a breakout board ($99) which is the major part of the conversion from there it should be just getting everything plugged in, and installing a few new switches. The mill has a really nice enclosure that will allow me to install a pump for coolant and I will be incorporating that into the new wiring. Going to put in a switch to reverse the spindle so I can use the machine for tapping as well. Since the machine is identical to a Sherline/Taig I started looking into new table that will increase the travel as well. The guy helping me with the conversion had a pretty sweet setup so he should be able to get me over any hurdles I come across.

I can't wait to get machine going and of course it came at a bad time because I will have to leave it here while I am gone for a year. I should have the machine running by the time I leave and I will be able to buy all the upgrades (new table increasing travel, replacing the stepper motors with something a bit stronger, faster, adding a 4th axis) while I am gone, giving me the chance to spread out the cost (which is going to be the costly side of things).

Just to give you guys an idea, I was able to get the machine for $200 and I just priced out what I need to make the machine run $125. The PC I am using was given to me and I have had the software for a while. Basically once the machine is going I will have $325 in it. That is a smoking deal for a CNC even if it is a baby.

[Mad Racer]

I can see a very cool Ultima coming !

Very nice Jake.

[Lonestar]

Jake, we're all excited

Keep us posted!

Paul

[Bormac]

Awesome Jake. You'll be open for business before you know it!

[uniquenamehere]

Wow, really nice score...

Just out of curiosity, what brand/model is that?

[Seabass]

Thanks guys, I have been wanting to purchase a CNC mill for a while now. I am still looking at the larger ones too

The mill is a D&M 4 which from what I understand, was built for trade schools. D&M basically built thier own enclosure and mounted a Sherline/Taig mill in the enclosure. D&M made thier own software to run using MS DOS. The problem most encounter is usually the mills are not sold with the software, computer which makes the mill completely useless. The retrofit I am doing will give me the ability to run MS Windows and Mach 3.

Jake

[rc10johnny]

Lookin Good Jake!!!! since I have no Idea of half of what you'all are talkin about ...Johnny

[flipwils11]

Now that we know you have this, is there a queue I can get into and prepay for projects/parts you can make for me?