SX2P Mill Power feed

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

I've now built 2 table drives for milling machines. The first had gear drive from a DC motor with feedback circuit to control speed, just disengage the gears when not wanted like a lathe leadscrew. The second, which is much easier, is just a stepper motor, tooth belt drive to the leadscrew. No need to disengage, the motor backwinds freely when not energised. Stepper is driven by a PIC, would use Arduino if I did it again.

[Gordon TarlingParticipant @gordontarling37126]

Thanks for all the suggestions chaps!

The parts which I have ordered total a cost of around £25 so far. To that, I'll have to add some pieces of metal and a bit of my time. Hopefully, I'll end up with a usable power feed which has the controllability that I'm seeking, though it may not look as good as a £350 unit. I may consider starting a build thread once I get started.

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

I'v built a power feed from a 12V Lucas wiper motor. The shaft from the worm wheel is extended and has a 10 T sprocket on it, this drives a 20 T sprocket on the lead screw via a bit of bike chain. The chain is loose enough to be lifted off the sprockets, and no clutch is used. It was knocked up in a couple of hours about twenty years ago. Speed is controlled by switched resistors. When using tools like my 3 tipped face cutter I could use about double the feed rate, but I doubt if the motor would take it, but I must try a larger sprocket on the motor, maybe 15 T.

Ian S C

[Geoff~Participant @geoff46085]

Gordon,

Would love to see a build thread, I want to do this on my SX3.

Geoff~

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