Manual mill to Cnc conversion help

[archangel]

Hello anyone ever convert a hf mini mill to a Cnc? I ran into a few issues could use some ideas or possible solutions.

[gta_spec]

Well, I put a millpwr on my bridgeport. What problems are you running into?

[Great-Kazoo]

Hello anyone ever convert a hf mini mill to a Cnc? I ran into a few issues could use some ideas or possible solutions.

there's a few forums out there discussing the HF / Grizzly etc line of mini-mills and upgrades. I would look at https://littlemachineshop.com/ for info in their discussion forums as a start.

[archangel]

the z axis is binding. I also don't see how I am supposed to wire everything haven't even looked at programming it yet. I have zero machining experience picked this up as a hobby so I can learn a little.

[archangel]

Yea I was hoping to find someone local with experience doing a conversion I have been going at this for a few months now and can't figure it out

[Grant H.]

I haven't converted a HF mini mill, but I've built a couple CNC machines (router and plasma table).

When you say Z is binding, does it bind with the manual handle on it, or just with the stepper?

For wiring, and programming, what are you using for a controller and steppers?

[Waldo1]

How are you generating your G-Code? Drawing in Inkscape or Fusion 360? Are you using a kit from someone and if so, do you mind sharing who? On my Cheap Chinese Mill I just went with digital machine scales on all 3 axes and ended up with a 'poor man's DRO' that works great. I also built a Shapeoko CNC router and beefed it up a little. I recently finished a 20-week course in CNC Operations at a local Tech College to prep for a new career path, so I know just enough to be a little dangerous ( 'I don't have a License To Kill, but I do have a Learner's Permit'). I've been a garage/hobby machinist for about 20 years.