PMDX Forum

General Category => Box level controller products => Topic started by: 73emgee on January 21, 2016, 09:49:22 AM

Title: PMDX-340 for Sherline CNC Ready
Post by: 73emgee on January 21, 2016, 09:49:22 AM

Hello

I've been researching micro/mini mills for last couple of weeks for a possible hobby CNC machine. I'm close to ordering the Sherline CNC ready 5400 mill.  I've owned a Sherline lathe (non-CNC) for many years and like the accuracy and tooling selection; in addition, I always try to support a USA manufacturer when possible.  While visiting the on-line Sherline CNC group I came across a post from Stan Stocker highly recommending the PMDX-340 box.  I also visited the PMDX booth at the recent Cabin Fever show.  Assuming the purchase of the CNC ready Sherline mill I have couple of questions hopefully you can help me with:

1. In a post on the PMDX forum you recommended the following stepper motors for use with PMDX-340. Quoting your reply to a Sherline inquiry, "If you want to upgrade, the for the X and Y axis, I would consider these:

http://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/products-page/nema-23/nema23-185ozin-3a-stepper-motor-%C2%BC%E2%80%9D-dual-shaft-kl23h256-21-8b-duplicate

For the Z axis, I would consider this one:

http://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/products-page/nema-23/nema-23-bipolar-stepper-motor-quarter-inch-dual-shaft-with-flat-282-oz-in

They are more powerful than the originals, but not enough so that they overwhelm the machine."  Are these still your recommendations for the Sherline CNC ready mill?


2.  What cables and connectors would you recommend to connect the steppers (documentation states they are 4 wire) to the PMDX-340?  Can these be purchased from PMDX?


3.  I plan on running this on an old desktop DELL Pentium 4, 2.8ghz.  It currently has Windows XP, and a upgraded video card.  I tried downloading the Mach3 trial version yesterday and it seems to run OK on this PC, the included timing test produced an "excellent" result.  This PC has a parallel printer port and several USB ports.  What do you recommend for use on this PC, Mach3 or Mach4?  I have no experience with either, but the Mach3 seems to be a better match for Windows XP.  Would it make sense to upgrade Windows XP to Windows 7?  I assuming either Mach3 or 4 could be purchased through PMDX.

4.  Does the PMDX-340 support X,Y,Z and Home stops?  Can you supply the necessary components.


Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions, if there other things I should be considering please advise (smooth stepper?)

Bob Edwards
Purcellville, VA


PS:  Enjoy the snow this weekend I live in Loudoun County not far from Lorton.   

Title: Re: PMDX-340 for Sherline CNC Ready
Post by: Steve Stallings on January 21, 2016, 12:00:37 PM

Hi Ed,

1) Yes, those motors are still my recommendation. NOTE: The stock Sherline motors are unipolar and will not work with the PMDX-340 without rewiring the plugs.

2) The PMDX-340 comes with pluggable terminal strips. Your motor wires may need to be extended in length.

3) If you are happy with the Dell PC, then I would recommend using Mach3. Both Mach3 and Mach4 are available through PMDX.

4) The PMDX-340 box has inputs on the rear at J6 to connect 4 inputs, typically Probe, and a home for each axis. We do sell mechanical limit switches that might work, but not sure if they may be too large for comfort. Here is a link to one users solution.

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:hmh_H8CgVV4J:softsolder.com/2010/05/11/sherline-cnc-mill-adding-home-switches