Vulcan - Harbor Freight milling machine retrofit. Testings

First test of a retrofit of a Falcon-Harbor Freight milling machine that I retrofitted for CNC functionality. Installed three Altec motors and a Logitrol CNC controller from lowcostcncretrofits.com out of Australia.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• CNC
• retrofit
• milling machine
• home made
• harbor freight

[iWolfgangEngineering]

Never, never, never, convert a round column mill to CNC.

If you use a short tool for one job, then have to use a longer tool for another job, you will lose your Z axis Zero when you have to raise the head to make the longer tool fit.

It's a little late for the advice, but for other people thinking on doing the same.

[jurban1997]

@iWolfgangEngineering I agree, but if you do not expect to need a greater z-axis travel for your parts, you can set the coarse setting to the most optimal spot, then not change it for the duration of your operation. Additionally, you can re-index the part if you do need to adjust the coarse settings on the z-axis.

[jurban1997]

$450 for the mill on Craigslist.

$2300 for the controller, power supply and motors

$110 for the aluminum

~$100 for the pulleys, collars and belts

I had the computer and added the LCD for $50

[211Alucard]

how much did that set cost you?.

[ForkYouPresents]

Very good Joe , it look like you have done a good job hooking up all the stepper motors and Logitrol units . LowCostCncRetrofits really do make great controller units . Have fun with it .

[LowCostCncRetrofits]

Nice going Joe

Good to see you have it all sorted out.........................

Maybe in your next video we can see the Harbour Mill churning out some parts.

Steve