Need opinion on how, and if I can make a EDM machine with linux CNC :)

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15 Aug 2018 19:38 - 15 Aug 2018 19:38 #116094 by aliaj00
Hi Guys,

i am Tim, and i am looking if it is possible to make a EDM machine with linuxcnc and what hardware software i might need to create such a machine.

My initial assumptions:

300 x 300 X 300 mm working area

budget for hardware <700$, i have some nema 17 and PC and extra hardware pieces.

i initially want to make precise holes, but wire EDM is what i am looking into.

i dont need this for money, i have this as a hobby :)

regards,
Tim
Last edit: 15 Aug 2018 19:38 by aliaj00.

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15 Aug 2018 20:41 #116096 by Todd Zuercher
All I can say is that it has been done. As to how well i works or costs involved I don't know.
Search the forum and the mailing list archives for more information.
(when searching the forum be sure to set the date rage to any time, the default is 1 year old and newer.)

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15 Aug 2018 20:50 #116098 by tecno
Sorry not with that small budget.

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15 Aug 2018 21:15 #116100 by tommylight
It can be done even with that little money, but requires resourcefulness in many aspects of it, like cheap rails and carriages (easy), sourcing motors (easy), drives (not so easy, but can be done very cheap), wire guides and spools ( easy but lots of patience), and most importantly the power supply ( not easy, anyway you look at it).
All in all, yes it is possible and it can be done, it was done several times just search for diy wire edm, it can be done for that kind of money and get decent results.

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15 Aug 2018 21:33 #116101 by tecno
For less than 700USD, no way. But what do I know just building one and that kind of money does not cut the cake for 300x300x300 WEDM.

Better to look for a used WEDM and do overhaul on that.

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15 Aug 2018 22:00 #116104 by aliaj00
HI Guys,

thanks a lot for your help. i already have a prusa i3 3d printer and plenty of nema17 and drivers rails etc. i am not planing on doing heavy stuff not more then a few kilograms max. the part i am worry about is the software part and the IO controller. as per the power supply i have background in electronics so i will figure something out. i am not thinking of doing a lot of Amps as its a hobby in the 6 ~ 10A most. but i really like the small nice cuts of the EDM :). 300 X 300 is debatable as i don't know how big the electronics and other stuff might be or positioned. the space i have is 500 X 500 so i set initial expectations to 300 X 300.

So if i might ask, what IO controller do you guys suggest? and software config.

regards,

Tim

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16 Aug 2018 13:16 #116144 by andypugh

So if i might ask, what IO controller do you guys suggest? and software config.


You might as well start with the parallel port, a WEDM doesn't need to move fast.

Once you have the machine moving with a normal LinuxCNC install then you probably want to try compiling and running the "reverse run" branch, as that can reverse out of the cut on a reciprocal path.

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16 Aug 2018 13:50 #116149 by aliaj00
i don't have a PC with parallel port ;) . but will look to get and old one.
thanks for he help :).

regards,
Tim

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16 Aug 2018 13:54 #116150 by andypugh
It probably doesn't make sense to buy a PC with a parport if you do not already have one. It isn't the best choice by any means, just a cheap and easy one if you already have it.

What slots does your current PC have? (USB can't be used with LinuxCNC)

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16 Aug 2018 14:02 - 23 Aug 2018 19:27 #116154 by aliaj00
I just ordered the The Build a Pulse EDM Machine book. it will be an interesting journey.

regards,
Tim
Last edit: 23 Aug 2018 19:27 by aliaj00.

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