Introduction
I placed an order with Precision Matthews for a lathe and a mill a week ago, originally the order was:
- PM-1030V Lathe
- PM-30M Mill
The lathe was backordered, so a week later I reconsidered my choice of the mill and decided to go bigger and heavier for just a bit more money.
So, I changed the mill order to be the PM-932m with the Power Down Feed and cast iron stand.
Both the lathe and the mill will be here in December, and that is when I will start planning to convert the PM-932m to CNC.
Wishlist
Here's what I'd like to do to the mill:
- Convert the leadscrews to ballscrews.
- Start the CNC electronics with simple steppers, upgrade to full AC servos later.
- Change the R8 Spindle to an NT30 spindle such as the one from Charter Oaks Automation.
- Epoxy Granite All the Things
- Convert the motion from dovetail ways to linear rails.
- Replace the spindle head with a Chinese belt-driven BT30 spindle, rated for 10,000 RPM / 12,000 RPM Max.
- Replace the 1.1kw/1.5hp AC motor with a 1.5/2.2kw AC Spindle Servo, rated for 6000 RPM, 8000 RPM Max.
- Belt drive the spindle with the servo with a 2:1 overdrive.
- Add a BT30 carousel ATC
Initial Designs
Thanks to KCJ for sharing his excellent CAD models, it's helped me get a much better idea and a quicker head start on designing the upgrade.
KCJ's models:
https://github.com/KurtJacobson/RF45...r/CAD%20Models
So the initial design for the BT30 spindle and 1.5kw AC spindle servo was based on taking a giant block of cast iron and making an entire head out of it.
Assuming I get the mill converted to CNC first, it should be able to mill its own replacement head.
PM-932m v7.jpg
PM-932m v7 - Cut.jpg
Initial Parts List
Ball Screw Kit:
TBD, have to find a matching kit for an RF-45/PM-45/ZX45/etc.
Steppers / Servos:
TBD, prefer to start with less expensive plain steppers just to get things moving.
BT30 Spindle:
AC Spindle Servo
Found a AC Spindle Servo that comes in 1.5kW or 2.2kW sizes that fit within a 150x150mm square frame, complete with servo, driver, and brake resistor - and single-phase 220V compatible.
How do these torque ratings compare to the stock AC motor? I don't know yet..
All comments and suggestions are welcome, this will most likely be a multi-year build. :)
I am located in Atlanta, GA, if anybody else has a large mill and is willing to help, let me know!