Users comments on these machines

Edited By JasonB on 08/04/2011 07:36:42

Hello Graham.

I have an Optimus BF20 milling machine that is in many ways similar to that SIEG presented in Your message.

For that BF20 milling machine I built a simple automatic feed from a stepper motor I bought from the firm ArcEuro Trade (220Ncm - 10mm Shaft - Hybrid Stepper Motor) and a controller that avoids the use of computer I bought from the firm acquired QuasarElectronics (http://www.quasarelectronics. com / motor-controller-drivers.htm) ref. 3179 - Standalone / Computer Controlled Unipolar Stepper Motor Driver.
I installed a double pulley on the motor shaft(one having diameter twice the other) and another double pulley (both with same diameter) fixed to the handwheel and with the very same diameter. A V-belt transmits the motion from the engine to the handwheel (obviously should be a toothed belt...).
I have not had the opportunity to make a box to install the electronic board, the potenciometer and switches in adecent way. So I continue to use the little switches on the board to change the direction of movement and the small knob to change the speed of the stepper motor (although the knob is not very sensitive).
The stepper motor is mounted on a flat aluminum plate and fastened by the same screw that holds the top of the table of the router to said table. So I had not make any changes to the milling machine, with the exception of three 3mm holes in the left side handwheel. The set is completely below the table and not disturb in any way the milling operation. Both handwheels are also operational and when used with stepper motor disconnectd I can feel the steps in the motor wich is almost always usefull in controling manual movements.
If You are interested I can show some photos of the system, although I'm not particularly proud of its unfinished state and uglyness.

Edited By Dias Costa on 12/04/2011 23:21:30