Lathe conversion from stock to CNC

andypugh wrote:

Soundreflections wrote:

Can LinuxCNC use a scaled index pulse, or should I keep that on the main spindle?

It needs to be exactly once per rev, but a simple flag on the spindle shaft will do.
The geared-down encoder is fine. Even if it turns out to have a non-integer number of pulses per rev (though that is vanishingly unlikely considering the function of the gear you are using)

So scaling the index is a no-no.
An encoder running at some ratio is okay but a seperate 1ppr signal must be read directly 1:1 .
There is no reason to connect the encoder's built-in index to linuxcnc in a case like this.
Am I understanding all of this correctly ?

Apologies to soundreflections for the interruption.

Hi Jbraun,
No problem, I am also learning how these things work. Basically, AFAIK we need 3 signals for the best performance, namely the spindle index, one PPR, which I think is just used in tapping, as I see no effect on the RPM, or any other signal when I send an input there, a bit of a dissapointment, as it is the only pin so far connected between lathe and PC. Then there are two pulses, phase A^B, B being optional, increasing resolution and giving direction sensing. They are used by the RPM counter, I have yet to figure out where to calibrate them, but will first mount them, then worry about them.

I now have my index. 1:1, LinuxCNC gives me true / false, so it must be working, I just cannot see anytrhing in the main program itself.

I have now received my driver kits, though on Saturday I fly to Rotterdam for a 2 week training course so won’t be able to do anything about building until I get back. Maybe take the kits, a motor and a heat sink with.

Check the parts in the kit before you leave. I had another customer tell me that one of the current tuning resistors fell out of it's package and got lost. We are now taping them inside the bag to make sure that doesn't happen again, but they are tiny and easy to loose. I just want to make sure you have everything so you can start building once you get back. Let me know if there are any issues.

I will do a more detailed write-up, with pictures, on the building of the stepper drivers, but I have them built and running.

I have bought some timing belt pulleys and have mounted my X axis motor. I have a 10 tooth on the motor and a 12 on thr spindle, but I had to go to 10:15 to get the scaling accurate. (I will re-check my lead-screw pitch, something gives me doubt now that I have no direct access to the machine, sitting at work).

I need to bore the Z axis gear to 15mm, I only have a 12mm mill and I am not sure how to make a 15mm bore from a 10mm HSS blank - unless I round the bottom part it won't work. (annoyance of being relatively new to metal turning).

My X axis worked very well, except that after several minutes of 50mm "axis test" The driver obviously overheated and went very strange. Power off to cool and all went well again. I have got some small fans today that I will be mounting on the drivers when next I get a chance.

I have now tapped the threads for limit switches to go in. After my next "working" session I should have X axis ready for action.

I thought I had better do a quick update on this project!

CPU fan heatsinks are the best. And yes, those driver do get hot and do need a fan. Let us know how it goes!

A quick update on non-logged progress:
I have now got X and Z axis's running, though Z needs to be very slow or the motor skips, I may try further micro stepping, or running to max rated current. I am yet to get my spindle encoder going, as well as the spindle control, so XZ only right now.

I now desperately need to get the game controller I bought running, even more desperately need to figure out how to operate LinuxCNC and how to create diagrams and convert to G code. I have tried several CAD programs, but when they cannot draw thread I quit them and try the next one.

I have committed to helping my cousin with a project to make a scale solar system, for which I now need to turn quite a few pulleys, hence my sudden return to the project and furthering completion.

I hope to soon write a number of outstanding posts, starting with stepper driver construction and hopefully having less colourful language than I used mounting my Z motor and making the face plate for my 4 jaw chuck.