I've posted a video of the machine running on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/BW6r5Ihlp4q/ This was a first test, the speeds and feeds are way off and I didn't leave enough stock on the adaptive clearing but it works!! I have swapped the G540 connection to the spindle reverse for the Coolant ...

Yes the Gecko G540 connects directly to the sprint drive and controls the spindle. The Gecko has two outputs, these are currently linked to the Spindle Go Relay and the Spindle Reverse Relay, I had the SGR set to active low thinking that it needs to be grounded to activate the relay. This is incorre...

This is fixed now.

It was an error in the Mach configuration.

The Gecko Drives the spindle perfectly.

What a relief!!

Do I need to switch the Guard Spindle Interlock Relay (GSIR) too?

I have the X axis wired and working and I have moved on to the spindle and I have run in to some issues. There are 2 outputs on the Gecko G540, these are wired to the Spindle Go Relay (SGR) and Spindle Reverse Relay (SRR). The spindle speed is controlled via PWM on the Gecko, with feeds from the spr...

Update:

I'm starting to upgrade my Triac to Mach4 using a smoother stepper (ESS) and a Gecko G540.

I am hoping I can document the conversation here to help other in the future.

What control board do you have?

Looks like the top bearing mount is also required.

Items:

TR3/112
BI00109A

Are these to support the spindle during a tool change?

pm sent.

I believe the parts I need are as follows:

Collar VMC/0106
Drawbar RM6/102
Retaining Nut VMC/0111
Belville Springs BI00196E

jamesgates1000 wrote:Hi,

I use Fuchs ecocool ultralife A, I find that even if I leave my machine for a week I don't get any bacterial growth. Not too expensive either, you can buy it from Cromwell tools.

I've been using this too. I really like it so far. Doesn't smell at all.

Had a quick look at the machine and it seems the eeprom is v2.1

Hi Martin,

I will have a look later and post some photos. How can I check the eeprom?

Thanks,

Dan

My machine looks like it uses a rack type card. Denstep?

Is this upgradeable?

Hi Martin,

I'm new to Denford machines. I believe it's a next step card. How can I verify?

Can anyone help me define what's needed to upgrade from an easychange tool holder to a powerdraw bar?

The machine is a 1998 Triac PC.

The Denford guys said they still have most of the parts but their technical director is away until next week so they suggested posting on here.

Many thanks,

Dan

Hi Pete, AutoDesk Fusion 360 is free for enthusiasts and startup companies. I've been working with CAD software for almost 20 years and this is hands down the best CAD software I've ever used. It is comparable to Solidworks but much more flexible and it had AutoDesks HSM CAM software builtin. I wrot...

I'm using AutoDesk Fusion 360. It's probably the best CAD software I've ever used and the CAM is exceptional. I do all my milling from a 3D model so processing DXFs isn't really an option. I've changed the post file in fusion to only use regular arc commands and it seems to be working Ok now. It wou...

Following some research it looks like the Triac PC doesnt support Plane selection commands G17 G18 and G19.

Is this correct?