I’ve got the CNC mini lathe on the bench again, and this time I’m actually getting things up and running. Part 1 went through the process of putting together the CNC controller, and now I’m going to assemble the mechanical side of things and take some test cuts.
I start by getting all of the steppers connected to the body of the machine, and getting the machine bolted down inside it’s enclosure. Next up is some wire routing and connecting everything to the controller.
I used Universal Gcode Sender to handle the chatter between my laptop and the CNC controller, and the setup was really surprisingly easy. The only tools I ended up needing were a dial indicator to calibrate the axes. Other than that I just followed the instructions in the new machine wizard. Massive props to the people developing UGS, it’s a treat to use!
Next up was a test cut in some aluminum, and then diving headlong into a little toolmaking project by making up a chuck key.
As always thanks for checking the project out!
For more details about this project check out the writeup here:
https://www.bootstrap-garage.com/projects/cnc-lathe-retrofit-part-2
For more details about lathe specific GRBL control (threading implementations in particular) check out:
MetalWorkerTools: https://github.com/MetalWorkerTools/grbl-L
fschill: https://github.com/fschill/grbl-Mega
Affiliate links to the products I used building this project:
This helps fund these projects!
TB6560 Stepper Motor Drivers https://amzn.to/3jNVHGs
NEMA 23 Dual Shaft Stepper Motor https://amzn.to/3u21jS8
Limit Switches https://amzn.to/3qmqHQw
GX16 4-Pin Connectors https://amzn.to/2NswPbr
Neodymium magnets https://amzn.to/3daopQJ
Meanwell 12V power supply for Isolated power https://amzn.to/3jTrBBt
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