Hi everyone,
I have a Van Norman #12 ram-type (head pivots from horizontal to vertical, no quill) mill. I would say that it needs to be adjusted only, but for a 60 year old machine it's in quite good shape (origional paint, despite its fair share of blemishes.. no rust). I'm hoping if I adjust it correctly I can get some of the excessive play out of the X-axis handwheel, as well as make the knee a little less of a workout to raise and lower. Y axis is perfect.
Anyway, I'm a poor college student and I'm becomming addicted to machinist hobbies rather quickly in my spare time. I am considering retrofiting my VN to CNC as there is no chance of me getting anything more modern for a long time. My question for you gentleman is this:
Is it even practical to convert such an old beast to CNC considering its rare spindle taper (5V) and perhaps other undesirable aspects I am probably not even aware of?
here is a link that shows a #12 exactly like mine:
http://home.att.net/~JEKasunich/vannorman/VN_Home.htm
If it you guys think it is worth it, and asuming I'm successfull in correcting some of its issues, what kind of torque would I need in stepper motors? Do I have to buy something huge to lift the knee, or can I just gear down?
Thanks for reading my long winded question!
Scott
PS> Bought this mill at an estate auction with 5hp phase converter for $200.
I have a Van Norman #12 ram-type (head pivots from horizontal to vertical, no quill) mill. I would say that it needs to be adjusted only, but for a 60 year old machine it's in quite good shape (origional paint, despite its fair share of blemishes.. no rust). I'm hoping if I adjust it correctly I can get some of the excessive play out of the X-axis handwheel, as well as make the knee a little less of a workout to raise and lower. Y axis is perfect.
Anyway, I'm a poor college student and I'm becomming addicted to machinist hobbies rather quickly in my spare time. I am considering retrofiting my VN to CNC as there is no chance of me getting anything more modern for a long time. My question for you gentleman is this:
Is it even practical to convert such an old beast to CNC considering its rare spindle taper (5V) and perhaps other undesirable aspects I am probably not even aware of?
here is a link that shows a #12 exactly like mine:
http://home.att.net/~JEKasunich/vannorman/VN_Home.htm
If it you guys think it is worth it, and asuming I'm successfull in correcting some of its issues, what kind of torque would I need in stepper motors? Do I have to buy something huge to lift the knee, or can I just gear down?
Thanks for reading my long winded question!
Scott
PS> Bought this mill at an estate auction with 5hp phase converter for $200.