Novamill on Mach3

[flyingmike]

Hi John,

When I first got my machine a few of the guys I spoke too said that more modern stepper motors were better. If they are or not I dont know as I never used the originals. I did however replace them with more powerfull motors on all axis. The novamill is a really solid machine so I figured larger motors would give the machine a larger scope and the hole spacings on the motors are the same so an easy swop.

I`m using a KB variable speed drive with an 180V DC output (you can get them from axis controls http://axisautomation.co.uk/en-GB/default.aspx) Works well with additional breaking, reverse and emergency stop features. You select a resistor to match the horsepower of your motor. (0.5hp if I remember correctly.)

Mike

[JohnHaine]

Sorry, read and replied to your other posting before seeing this one - I'm using a KB drive too.

I'll give the original motors a try first, see how they go with modern drivers. I ended up building a new control box rather than trying to share my lathe one as all the driver settings will be different, just taking a break from starting to bring the machine up. So far it passes the initial smoke test!

Cheers, John.

[JohnHaine]

well, have now made a lot of progess! Today I cut metal for the first time, surfaced a steel block using code generated from a wizard. The machine did a great job, general feeling of satisfaction that nothing has blown up and so far I haven't chewed up the table with the cutter!

One thing I noticed, the X-feed motor is getting rather hot! Certainly it's at the point where it is uncomfortable to leave one's finger on it for any length of time though it doesn't give you a burn! I am using the generic "2m524" (I think that's the number) drivers with the X and Y axis current switches set for 2.84A. Motors are the Denford original equipment.

Is this to be expected please, should I reduce the current, could anyone advise?

Thanks, John.

[angel-tech]

current may be a bit high

[Martin]

Stepper motors do get hot.

[JohnHaine]

Yes, looking at other postings here though I see that these motors are Sanyo and rated at 1.5 amps! So maybe I have been over-egging things a bit, so I'll back off the current a bit...thanks for the input.

John.

[JohnHaine]

OK, so I set the current switches for just under 1.5 amps and the motors still run fine, if anything they sound a bit quieter, and COOL! Glad I spotted that before frying them!

[angel-tech]

As Martin said they will run pretty hot, and take a lot of punishment. You could probably run them on 2A.

[Denford Admin]

If split this topic from poryan 1st question to here:
viewtopic.php?f=41&t=3602