Convert a Mill
01 Oct 2015 04:56 #63303
by Sterling
Convert a Mill was created by Sterling
Howdy all -
I have the opportunity to get a used Bridgeport Mill at a reasonable price (a few hundred dollars). I have *NEVER* used one before, but from what I can see; it will open up a whole new world of possibilities! I built my CNC from a booklet a friend had. It is not as accurate as it could be, and it is only good for wood working, so I'm liking the possibility of getting this mill.
I am a windows guy, but I did figure out how to install LinuxCNC on my PC (dual boot). The CNC is using a Xylotex control board. With the possibility of getting the new milling machine, I came here and did a search for [bridgeport]...and I caught this post!
I glossed over some of this thread (it's 97 pages long!). So, if I missed any of the following questions, (or they are posted elsewhere in the forum, I apologize!)
I'm interested in knowing how this will work with the Mill.
What kind of logistical nightmare would I get into trying plug the computer into the Bridgeport?
Will I need special hardware?
Additional software?
etc...
I'm the first to admit that I am not very electronically or mechanically inclined, so the potential to purchase a precise and a professional machine on the cheap is REALLY exciting! (Even if I don't know how to use it!)
Thanx in advance for your patience and understanding!
I have the opportunity to get a used Bridgeport Mill at a reasonable price (a few hundred dollars). I have *NEVER* used one before, but from what I can see; it will open up a whole new world of possibilities! I built my CNC from a booklet a friend had. It is not as accurate as it could be, and it is only good for wood working, so I'm liking the possibility of getting this mill.
I am a windows guy, but I did figure out how to install LinuxCNC on my PC (dual boot). The CNC is using a Xylotex control board. With the possibility of getting the new milling machine, I came here and did a search for [bridgeport]...and I caught this post!
I glossed over some of this thread (it's 97 pages long!). So, if I missed any of the following questions, (or they are posted elsewhere in the forum, I apologize!)
I'm interested in knowing how this will work with the Mill.
What kind of logistical nightmare would I get into trying plug the computer into the Bridgeport?
Will I need special hardware?
Additional software?
etc...
I'm the first to admit that I am not very electronically or mechanically inclined, so the potential to purchase a precise and a professional machine on the cheap is REALLY exciting! (Even if I don't know how to use it!)
Thanx in advance for your patience and understanding!
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01 Oct 2015 15:10 #63314
by cncbasher
Replied by cncbasher on topic Convert a Mill
well your in luck , as their are a few who have converted a bridgeport .
it wont be a walk in the park , but with a little time and assistance from a few moderators , you'll manage it
but to be able to guide further we would need to know a bit more about the mill as to it's version
or if you have the manuals etc .
i personaly would recomend you use a mesa 5i25 / 7i77 breakout combination but we need to make sure of a few things first
as to the types of servo's and encoders fitted , this we can figure out before you buy anything .
Also is the mill in working order ?.
i also would suggest keeping the servo's and servo drives , and only changing the controller .
can i also direct you to gnipsel.com , where you will find most of the linuxcnc files and information on a conversion , no doubt their are others
it wont be a walk in the park , but with a little time and assistance from a few moderators , you'll manage it
but to be able to guide further we would need to know a bit more about the mill as to it's version
or if you have the manuals etc .
i personaly would recomend you use a mesa 5i25 / 7i77 breakout combination but we need to make sure of a few things first
as to the types of servo's and encoders fitted , this we can figure out before you buy anything .
Also is the mill in working order ?.
i also would suggest keeping the servo's and servo drives , and only changing the controller .
can i also direct you to gnipsel.com , where you will find most of the linuxcnc files and information on a conversion , no doubt their are others
The following user(s) said Thank You: Sterling
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01 Oct 2015 17:49 #63324
by cmorley
Replied by cmorley on topic Convert a Mill
Please start a new thread for this.
Chris M
Chris M
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01 Oct 2015 20:59 #63333
by csbrady
Replied by csbrady on topic Convert a Mill
I am just getting started with a retrofit of my Bridgeport Interact mill. If your mill has a the same controller (TNC-151a) then you could piggy-back on my plan. It's a daunting task with a lot to learn.
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02 Oct 2015 03:57 #63349
by Sterling
Replied by Sterling on topic Convert a Mill
Well, after a chat with my wife today; we've decided the logistics were weighted to far against us to pull it off. It is being sold at an on-line community service auction (for the United Way) the auction closes tomorrow, I don't know anything about it.
The posting doesn't say what model it is, how old it is, if it runs/works, what condition it is in, if any accessories come with, etc...
Plus; it is my responsibility to pick up and deliver.
With such short notice, all I could do is park it in the garage, where it would sit for months before I could do anything with it! And even though the bidding is still under $200.00, the inconvenience is too much. I believe that in the long run, this would have been an excellent deal...but it just isn't pragmatic for me at this time.
Oh well.
Thanx again!
The posting doesn't say what model it is, how old it is, if it runs/works, what condition it is in, if any accessories come with, etc...
Plus; it is my responsibility to pick up and deliver.
With such short notice, all I could do is park it in the garage, where it would sit for months before I could do anything with it! And even though the bidding is still under $200.00, the inconvenience is too much. I believe that in the long run, this would have been an excellent deal...but it just isn't pragmatic for me at this time.
Oh well.
Thanx again!
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