Do you have all the bases covered for your DIY CNC conversion or refit?
Here is a master checklist I drew up to try to organize things from a top down list oriented perspective. Where I have some deeper information to contribute, I've tried to provide links to some of the other pages on this site.
For a breakdown on what all these components do, what the terminology means, and hints on how to make the best choices for your CNC Project, see our CNC Milling Machines Parts Guide.
Topic
Remarks
Links
& Articles
Axis Drive
Motors
Motor Type
Stepper
Usually cheaper, simpler, can lose steps. Power peaks at 1000 rpm.
Stepper, Servo &
Backlash Simulator
Servos
Higher performance, more expensive, more complex. Power well above 1000 rpm, fater rapids, greater accuracy due to closed loop operation.
Encoders
Separate shielded cable from motor power cable? Connector type? CAT-5? Microphone? DIN?
Transmission
Direct Drive
Coupler: Helical Beam, Oldham, etc.
Simple. No torque or resolution multiplication.
CNC Lathe Conversion Direct Drive Details
Timing Belt
Most common. Allows torque and resolution multiplication.
Gear Head
Harmonic Drive
Need to make sure its a low/no backlash drive type such as a harmonic drive.
Chain
Usually found only on lower resolution systems such as plasma tables and routers.
Motor Connectors & Cables
Got shielded cables? Connector type?
CNC Lathe Conversion Driver Electronics & Motor Cables
Axis Leadscrews
ACME Leadscrew
What's already there. Likely to have significant backlash. Some backlash can be adjusted out with a split nut and Delrin nuts have pretty low backlash.
Ballscrew
Low or no backlash. What the "pros" use.
Proper Leadscrew Mounting
You have to use angular contact bearings to properly mount the leadscrew.
Rack &
Pinion
Usually found only on lower resolution systems such as plasma tables and routers.
Belt Drive
Usually found only on lower resolution systems such as plasma tables and routers.
Chain Drive
Usually found only on lower resolution systems such as plasma tables and routers.
Ways
CNC Dictionary discusses different types of slideways
Rails
Usually found only on lower resolution systems such as plasma tables and routers.
Linear Slides
Very high precision, lower rigidity tha nconventional ways. Most common design for the average machining center.
Conventional
Machine Ways
e.g. Dovetail and Box Slideways
Less precision, more rigidity. Common on older manual machines and very heavy duty CNC machines.
Home &
Limit Switches
Are you going to combine home and limits to save inputs?
CNC Lathe Limit Switches on Drivers Page
Driver Electronics
DC Power Supply
CNC Lathe Conversion Driver Electronics Page
Breakout Board
CNC Cookbook Breakout Board Article
E-Stop
Spindle Control
Coolant and
Accessory Control
PC
Industrial, or Just a Basic PC?
Notebook? Notebooks have problems with a lot of breakout boards.
CNC Lathe Rackmount PC
Control Panel
Survey of CNC Panel and Pendant Designs
Software
Machine Controller
Mach 3?
CAM Software
Be the first to know about updates at CNC Cookbook
Join our newsletter to get updates on what's next at CNC Cookbook.