MSC Mill Converted to Centroid Acorn Controlled CNC - Rigid Tapping

This is a simple part on the MSC mill that I recently converted to a CNC. This video is only meant to show the CNC in action to potential buyers, and show the probing, tool setter, rigid tapping, etc.
I am by no means an expert, I'm just figuring out the machining part as I go...
All of the ball screws and servos are brand new. The machine is older, but it also has a brand new 2HP Siemens inverter rated motor. There is a lot of money invested in this project, and I'm very happy with the performance of it so far. I just can't keep it any longer with the lack of space in my garage since I have another CNC. I don't recall what the exact numbers ended up being on the backlash, but I seem to remember them being very minimal. I can re-measure if needed.
The touch screen laptop that is in the picture is not included, but it could be negotiated. It honestly is not a very good laptop and is probably on it's last leg. If you really want it and are willing to pay a little more for it, I will probably need some extra time to transfer a lot of my other software licenses off of it.
Centroid offers an all in one touchscreen PC for a decent price. If I were keeping this machine, I would probably purchase one from their website so it would also have a warranty.
SPECS:
- Siemens 2HP motor with an Allen
Bradley PowerFlex 40P VFD. The
original machine had a max RPM of
~2500, but you should be able to
easily get 6000+ RPM out of this
motor/vfd combo. You would just
need to find replacement bearings that
are capable of the higher speeds, but
you may also be limited by the
capabilities of the V-belts. I never had
a need to run any faster than 3400
RPM.
- Spindle encoder and braking resistor
for rigid tapping.
- Rapids
- X and Y = 300 in/min (X can run faster
if needed)
- Z = 150 in/min
- X & Y axis
- Motor Torque = 12Nm (8.8 ft-lb).
- Size XY = 28"x8"
- Travel XY = 19"x6"
- Z Axis
- Motor Torque = 8Nm (5.9 ft-lb).
- Approximately 12" of manual
adjustment on the column. I can get
an exact number if needed.
- 5" Servo travel.
- Centroid Acorn Controller with Pro
Software License. (Description from
Centroid)
- Unlimited G-code file size
- 4th axis motor pairing with any other
axis
- 4th axis G-code moves
- Full version of Intercon conversational
programming
- 4th axis conversational programming
- Rigid Tapping
- Six WCS locations (G54 thru 59)
- Tool Library with 200 tools
- Unlimited Auto Tool Measure
- Full set of menu driven Probing cycles
(Bore, Single Edge, Web, Slot, Inside
corner, outside corner)
- BCD Tool Changer Output
- Control enclosure has reserved space
for an additional power supply and
drive to add the 4th axis.
- Accessories
- 6" Vise.
- Full Set of Imperial R8 Collets.
- Electronic tool setter.
- Electronic touch probe.
- 5x R8-ER20 Collet adapters.
- 13mm drill chuck.
- Boring Head.
- Pittsburgh magnetic base and digital
indicator.
- All original parts from prior to the
conversion if you want them.

[@robtbldr]

This is a great setup! Any chance you could show pictures of the z axis in more detail? Also did you change out the motor to a 3 phase? Thanks.

[@cohbra]

Sorry, I sold the machine a few months ago so I can’t provide any additional pictures. I did change out the motor to a 3 phase Siemens inverter rated motor.

[@fintechrepairshop]

How can I see more of this mill. I like what you did with the Z axis ball screw. maybe you can send me some pictures. I was thinking about doing the same thing myself.

[@cohbra]

I can send you some pics, or maybe some CAD files if you would like. I’m just not sure when I’ll have a chance to get it all organized for you. I ordered the belts and sprockets from Misumi.

[@pootanlampang]

How do you convert your machine to cnc I would like to know more details about your machine Thank You

[@user-jx8bh7jf9u]

What is the reference of the tool with which you determine the part zeros?

[@redshiftcnc]

How did you set the encoder up as far that pulley ratio not being 1 to1 ? I am trying to set my spindle encoder up but looks like it either needs to be a 1-1 ratio on the pulleys or have some setting but i cant find a setting for that in cnc12.

[@cohbra]

All you need to do is calculate the ratio of spindle revolutions per encoder revolutions, then multiply that ratio times your encoder counts per revolution. The setting is in the setup wizard, not inside of CNC12.