CNC Mini-mill Build Class

[George Bulliss]

At the Cabin Fever show this past January, Ron Ginger put on a popular demonstration in which he went through the process of setting up and getting a small CNC mill running. Afterwards, he approached me to see if we could do something similar at the CNC Workshop in June. What we finally came up with is a little different than what was offered at Cabin Fever, but I think it will prove to be a popular class.

Our plan is to offer a class to ten people on how to convert an X2 style mini-mill to CNC. The participant will open the crates on the first day and start in on the conversion. By the end of the event, they will have a fully operational CNC to haul home.

There is obviously some cost associated with a class like this, but through the quantity purchase of items and the generosity of our suppliers, we have managed to put together a package that will cost the participant hundreds less than if they assembled it themselves. Also, the price will include the class and access to all the other seminars offered at the Workshop.

I’ll be getting more details together in the coming days, but here are the basics:

The mills will be LittleMachineShop.com HiTorque mini-mills. We will be using the ball screw kit from CNC Fusion for this build. Many of the electronics, including the power supply, stepper motors, smoothstepper, and a Gecko 540 driver will be coming from Keling Inc. The controller software will be Mach3 and Ron is promising to gather all the other bits and pieces to make this work.

Classes will be held each of the four days, with a two hour session in the morning. You will have time to work on the mill during the rest of the day and may attend other seminars if you wish.

What to Bring

You must bring, or purchase for shipment to the workshop, a suitable computer. A laptop is okay. It must run windows XP or Win 7. See the Mach site for more details on a suitable computer.

It will be useful if you have your own set of hand tools, screwdrivers, allen wrenches, wire cutters, pilers, etc. We won’t need a huge kit, just a few common items. A 30-40 watt electronic soldering iron would be great. We may have access to some tools through the School, but if you have your own it will be simpler.

You must make your own arrangements for getting the mill home. If you drive to the seminar it will be easy to load into any car. If you are flying, you must save your crate and re-pack the machine and make all arrangements for its shipping. Remember, you will own the machine when you get to the class; it’s your responsibility to get it home. The school has been very helpful with shipping in the past and we may be able to leave the mill for a few weeks after the show while you arrange for shipment.

So, that’s about it. As I mentioned, I’ll fill out some of the details in the coming days. If anyone is interested, they should contact me directly. The best way for initial contact is through email. I can be reached at gbulliss(at)villagepress(dot)com.

Remember, this class is limited to ten people, with no exceptions. Make sure to move fast on it if you are interested.

George Bulliss

[Smokedaddy]

To bad it isn't closer to Arizona, I'd sign up in a heart-beat.

-SD:

[George Bulliss]

We have a few people signed up already, with at least one of them flying in for the class. He brought up a good point, getting his tools home from the class is no problem, just put them in the crate with the mill. However, with air travel the way it is these days, getting the tools out to the event could be pricey.

Our solution to get the tools to Ann Arbor is to have them shipped to me and I’ll drive them down to the class. If anyone else is facing a similar issue, let me know and I’ll be happy to help.

George

[RKW]

George,

Although this class will be a bit expensive, it is an excellent idea and opportunity for folks looking to get started with CNC. Thanks for continuing to make the conference even better. I'm sure it will fill up quickly!

Keith

[George Bulliss]

Yes, the class will be expensive, but if you are planning on converting an X2 mill anyway, this will save you some money. Plus, you get a four day class to get it all together.

I have had a lot of people ask for a class like this and, hopefully, it should be a hit.

George

[Smokedaddy]

The class is an outstanding idea. Thanks for offering it.

-SD:

[George Bulliss]

Well, it’s been one of those “Catch 22” type days. I’ve been trying to find the time to post the information on the mini-mill build to answer people’s questions, but have been so busy answering questions about the mini-mill build, I couldn’t get to it.

So here is the answer to the most pressing question; how much is it going to cost? The class and all that goes with it will run $2050.

By my calculations (figuring average shipping costs) this is about $240 less than what an individual could put together on their own. The price also includes the build class, plus the rest of the CNC Workshop.

If you are interested, please email me for payment details and the refund policy. gbulliss(at)villagepress(dot)com

So, what do you get for the price? Here are a few details about the class.

CNC Mini-mill Build

We are going to conduct a session at the next CNC workshop that will guide students through the process of converting a milling machine to CNC. The class will be limited to 10 students, and advance registration and payment is required.

We will make a group purchase for 10 sets of parts. By doing a group purchase we were able to get a discount on the prices, which are being passed on to the attendee.

We will be using the following parts:

1) HiTorque mini- mill from Little Machine Shop LittleMachineShop

2) Ballscrew conversion kit from CNC Fusion
CNC Fusion

3) 282 oz-in stepper motors, Gecko 540 drivers, power supply, and smoothstepper from Keiling Inc
Keiling

5) Mach3 control software
ArtSoft USA

The package will include a control box and all the wire and small hardware needed to make the assembly.

The work will be done over the four days of the workshop. We will have several experts on hand to lead the sessions and answer questions. A class session will be held each morning for the first two hours. We should be able to finish the day’s work in that time, allowing you to attend other seminars the rest of the day.

The four days will be arranged as follows:

Tuesday
Open the crate, check out the parts, clean the machines.
Dismantle the machine as needed to install the ball screw kits. Adjust and align as needed.

Wednesday
Assemble and wire the electronics box. We will have test equipment on hand to be sure all the wiring is right. Students will partner to help double check each other’s work.

Thursday
We will install Mach software and make all the config and tuning adjustments. Each student is expected to bring their own computer. Although Mach does not normally support laptops, they will be okay in this class because we are using the Smoothstepper control. If you wish you may order a computer from Little Machine Shop and have it shipped to the class. You must order and pay for this directly to LMS.

Friday
Test, measure, and make parts! We will use the Mach Add-ons for Mill (wizards) to design a part. Re-crate or load the machine into your car.

What to Bring
You must bring, or purchase for shipment to the workshop, a suitable computer. A laptop is OK. It must run windows XP or Win 7. See the Mach site for more details on a suitable computer.

It will be useful if you have your own set of hand tools, screwdrivers, allen wrenches, wire cutters, pliers, etc. We won’t need a huge kit, just a few common items. A 30-40 watt electronic soldering iron would be great. We may have access to some tools through the school, but if you have your own it will be simpler.

You must make your own arrangements for getting the mill home. If you drive to the seminar it will be easy to load into any car. If you are flying you must save your crate and re-pack the machine and make all arrangements for its shipping. Remember, you will own the machine when you get to the class; it’s your responsibility to get it home.


George

[George Bulliss]

The Mini-mill Build Class is proving to be popular and is filling up fast. If you are considering it, don’t wait too long.

A deposit of $125 will get you a spot in the class, with the remainder due by April 15. Email me for payment options and the refund policy. gbulliss(at)villagepress(dot)com

George

[AiR_GuNNeR]

I'm in! Can't wait.

[George Bulliss]

The last slot in the class has been taken. I plan to hold a few names on a list (I have one already) in case someone backs out. Contact me if you would like a standby position.

Thanks for the support, we’ve had a lot of interest in this class and I hope to be able to offer similar classes in future Workshops.

George