Friday, October 10, 2014

VFD Spindle Drive

My new mill has a 3 phase spindle motor.  I cannot get 3 phase where I live (without significant expense).  I looked into using a 7.5HP 3 phase motor I already have to create a rotory phase converter.  They sell pre-assembled 'control panels' which include capacitors and relays required to produce 3 phase power when wired to a motor.  While looking at these panels I came across an Allen Bradley VFD which can use single phase source to drive a 3 phase motor.  In addition to this conversion it will allow the ability to control spindle speed electronically.  After some research and shopping I purchased a Allen-Bradley 22F-A011N103 VFD for $125.  This unit should allow easy connection to my new PC Based CNC System (Software: Mach 3).  Many of the 'breakout boards' for PC CNC controls have a 0-10VDC speed control output and a dual relay configuration that can automatically activate using only two pins.. See preliminary wiring diagram.






Thursday, October 9, 2014

Tri-onics Handyman CNC Knee Mill

Purchased an older 'CNC' mill.  The unit functions manually (if I had 3 phase power) and the CNC portion was considered non-functional.  Plan is to re-enable the cnc through pc control.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Table Size 10" x 50"
Table Load - Maximum 200 Lbs.
Table Travel - X-Axis 30"
Table Travel - Y-Axis 14"
Table Travel - Z-Axis 4-1/2"
Knee Travel 16"
Overarm Travel 24"
Rapid Traverse 35 IPM
Contouring Speed 9 IPM
Table Positioning Accuracy +-.001" inch/foot
Spindle Motor 3 HP
Spindle Speed Infinitely Variable 60-4,200 RPM
Spindle Taper NST30
Quill Diameter 3-3/8"
Approximate Dimensions 72" x 72" x 84"
Approximate Weight 2,800 Lbs.


EQUIPPED WITH:Power Draw Bar
One Shot Lubrication





EasyEDA - Circuit Diagram for Makers/Hobbyists

Using a new program to design wiring diagrams.  EasyEDA allows easy circuit diagraming (simple enough to use that it is quick).  It is also very sophisticated and will do SPICE analysis and circuit board designs.  So far I really like it.  I am learning to create components and hope this will simplify my designing process. I only use this for circuit diagrams.