Quote:
Originally Posted by vlocci
Tim,
Some thoughts from someone with a few B-ports in his past.
Degrease with something like kero, mineral spirits or simple green. I've powerwashed a few in the past without issues. Be sure to blow them dry to prevent surface rust. Don't strip the existing paint, as you will likely fine 1/2 of bondo under the surface, and will be stuck with what to do next. If repainting, just prime and paint. I'm a fan of the rustoleum industrial finishes which are a good tradeoff between cheap and good.
Phase converters are simple using a spare 3 phase motor (i.e. rotary converter). At the same time, this will allow you other 3 phase purchases in the future. Check out http://www.homemetalshopclub.org/projects/phconv/phconv.html
Forget the static converters is you have a spare motor around. The price difference is virtually nil.
VFD are getting cheaper, 250.00 will get you one of suitable size, and give you 100% more usefullness. Single phase in, 3 phase out. Dealerselectric is a good source, as is ebay.
The ballscrew machine is an EASY conversion to PC control. Check out gecko drives, which are cheap, easy to use, and interface with a PC without issue. EMC is a linux cnc controller package that is free and VERY powerful. Google EMC BDI (Brain dead install) and start looking for an old laptop to run it on. I think you can get away with a 486 machine. To go full CNC your probably looking at under 700 bucks.
Shoot me an email if you have any questions. |
Thanks for all the info guys! I have plans for a "simple" rotary converter and I found 1-3 hp static converters on ebay for about $80. From what i have learned thus far, I can use a static converter to start and run the idler motor (that I am getting for free), then pull my three phase off that which supposedly gives cleaner power than using either one by itself (basically I would be duplicating a store bought rotary phase converter).
I have been at a few websites that discuss home brewed CNC conversions using PC control and gecko drives etc. I am hoping that when I decide to start messing with the CNC, I can possibly use the existing servo motors with new or existing drives, but control it with one of my old PC's with something like mach2/3 software.
The CNC is not a big deal right now, but it would make a fun project someday. I am just going to have to be careful that I do not go too far with the cleanup/repaint. I have a habit of going all out (bare metal/epoxy rime/Imron/etc/etc)
These machines both work as is and the CNC ways/screws are like new. The manual one was still being used in the shop at work a few times a week typically, so it is ready to use as is, but I just have to give it a "spruce-up" first. Both machines have auto oiler gizmos on them.