Controls for milling machine

This topic has 8 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 23 August 2016 at 10:57 by MW.

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22 August 2016 at 23:03 #24695
Andy Freeman 1
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@andyfreeman1
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22 August 2016 at 23:03 #251923
Andy Freeman 1
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@andyfreeman1
Being a relatively new owner of a Tom Senior E type milling machine I have been busy fitting a 3 axis DRO to it which is now nearly finished. The machine came with an invertor mounted on the side of the motor. I am going to make a new 'control box' with push buttons, speed control pot etc. Apart from the obvious stop, start and speed, is it worthwhile have a forward / reverse and jog buttons?

I have also got a MachTech rpm meter which I will fit into the panel.
23 August 2016 at 03:46 #251929
John Rudd
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@johnrudd16576
Useful for tapping?

Better to incorporate them now while your not using the machine in anger than to find you want them later on?
23 August 2016 at 09:24 #251954
John Haine
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@johnhaine32865
Since I fitted 3 phase and a VFD to my VMB I've found using low speed and reverse extremely useful for tapping. I think fitting some arrangement to the quill feed lever so you can instantly reverse using a button would be very useful. At the moment for tapping I have one hand on the quill feed and another on the fwd/reverse switch! Likewise having jog which runs the spindle at a low speed for things like tapping so you don't have to remember to set the frequency to a low value before tapping. One day I'm going to forget and have a bracing experience!
23 August 2016 at 09:30 #251956
Gary Wooding
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@garywooding25363
I fitted DRO and VFDs to my Centec – one for the spindle and one for the power feed. Both have forward/reverse/off switches. As John mentioned, the forward/reverse on the spindle is really good for tapping. I'd hate to go back to the single speed and direction days.
23 August 2016 at 09:46 #251958
MW
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@mw27036
Posted by Gary Wooding on 23/08/2016 09:30:45:

I fitted DRO and VFDs to my Centec – one for the spindle and one for the power feed. Both have forward/reverse/off switches. As John mentioned, the forward/reverse on the spindle is really good for tapping. I'd hate to go back to the single speed and direction days.

Looks like a nifty piece of kit there, Gary. You looking to sell?

Michael W
23 August 2016 at 09:52 #251959
Raymond Anderson
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@raymondanderson34407
Like the Newall C80 three axis on the mill ,excellent bit of kit.. Very spendy, but worth it. Bomb proof.
23 August 2016 at 10:23 #251964
Gary Wooding
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@garywooding25363
Thanks for the compliments and, no, it's not for sale.
23 August 2016 at 10:57 #251970
MW
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@mw27036
Posted by Gary Wooding on 23/08/2016 10:23:47:

Thanks for the compliments and, no, it's not for sale.

It's worth a go isn't it? I'd imagine it's a joy to use.

Michael W
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