How Do You Convert A Manual Milling Machine To CNC?
Building your own CNC milling machine is now within reach. This article is an overview of a somewhat complex process. The most valuable information is the links to low-cost hobbyist friendly resources at the end. Inspect the lead screws and their mounting bearings. If they can be adjusted for almost no backlash you can leave them in place, but if they are sloppy you should consider replacing them with preloaded ball screws mounted on pairs of angular contact bearings. Remove the hand wheels and decide how you want to couple the motors to the screws. Stepper motors can often drive the screw directly through a zero-backlash helical coupling. Servos usually need speed reduction through a low backlash arrangement such as cog belts. Fabricate brackets for the motors, mount them and install the couplings or belts and pulleys. Install the DC power supply, breakout board and motor drives in an enclosure. Install an Emergency Stop switch on the AC input side of the power supply. Run wires from
