What does it take to convert a manual mill to a CNC mill?

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Here around July or or, Im looking to spend about 6500-8500 on a CNCMasters mill (depending on the options I decide to go with), including shipping. I have heard of people converting manual mills to work automatically like that, and Im sure it would save a huge amount of money. How hard is it to do this? If it is doable, then I could either, A) Buy the manual version of the mill, or something similar (about 1.5-2.5k), and then spend another, say, 2k on software and motors (bidding high), and rig them up to the turnwheels on the mill, for a total of probably 3-4.5k. Or,B) Buy the next step up, for about 4k, and do the same thing and end up with something that costs roughly the same as the original mill, but with a much greater capacity, and end up spending maybe 6k or so. Then, I'd have to figureo out what software to use. I could buy a complete program, but Id have to be sure it is compatible with my motors, or else everything will be off. Otherwise, I'd have to just figure out basic movements like X voltage through the motor for Y time causes Z movement, and then figure out the programming to get it to do what I want (and of course, there might be programs that are inbetween plug-n-play and complete ground-up custom). The second option scares me, and while I do think it could be done, I'm affraid Ill be sitting there after a month, with a multi-thousand dollar milling machine that I don't want and can't easily resell, plus a thousand+ dollars in specialized motors and software that I can't use and would also be difficult to sell. Does anyone know if I have misunderstood something and this only applies to some manual mills with aftermarket conversion kits? Is there a place online I can buy these CNC parts (motors, programs, etc)? Thanks!Last edited by JMcDonald; 05-24-2007 at 11:40 AM.
Reply:Definitely go with the CNC ready machine.  Then, you can spend time learning to make parts rather than building and tweaking.  Part is one expense, don't forget about time investment for conversion.There are several web/forum site about CNC conversion.
Reply:Well, I figure if I am not going to be getting the mill until July or even August, I could much more easily afford to drop 2k for the same mill even as soon as mid June. Then Id have probably around two months to tweak on it before getting to a point that I know I would have been better off by just saving and buying the CNC mill. Also, now that I think of it, I really dont want to try to write my own software or even come close to it. I would definately want to buy some ready-to-run or almost ready-to-run software. Im not really worried about how to adapt the motors to the tables, or how to wire them in. That, I think, will be the easiest part. By buying mostly R-T-R parts I think it almost guarantees that as long as I get compatible motors, then it will work. I will also need a control module to interpret the computer's signal. Anyone got links?Thanks for the reply!
Reply:Found this:http://www.super-tech.com/I gave them a call and they were really nice and helpful. Like I said, Im a little lost when it comes to what software or control units I need. Still, he assured me they can sell me a kit with everything I need electronically, and all Id need to do it fit them to the mill. Im going to send him a more detailed email about it and he said he will give me the link(s) to everything I need from him, and judging by the prices, it looks like it will be about 1500-2500 in electronics. Plus about 1500 for the mill itself.
Reply:google cnc mill conversion.  Also, Yahoo groups.What mill are you considering converting.
Reply:This mill most likely:http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=33686It appears to be the same as the one CNC masters uses. CNCMasters charges about the same price, but I can get the mill locally from harborfreight, so that is why. But yeah, if you check the table dimensions, travel capacities, weights, and even compare the pics, they seem to be from the same place. Here is the CNCMasters one:http://www.cncmasters.com/CNC%20Jr%20Mill.htmFor the comparible basic model it would be a little over 6k after shipping. Here is the non-CNC one:http://www.cncmasters.com/manual_mil...hines.htm#rf31And here is the CNC kit I will most likely get, pending advice from their response:http://www.super-tech.com/root/itm.a...m-emc-geckopwrAbout 1100ish for the base mill from HF, and then about 2200 for the CNC kit. So about 3300 vs about 6100. Im also still contemplating moving to a larger knee-mill with an 11 x 34" travel capacity. The only thing I dont like is the lack of 4-th axis control. But I asked them about that also and I'll see what he says.
Reply:Check out Home Shop Machinist Magazine. They are doing a series right now on converting a Grizzly Mill to CNC that looks identical to the HF mill. I have a King Mill which also appears to be identical. Looks like same machine with different names put on them. Planning to attemp a conversion at some time in the future. 4th axis is just a software/controller issue. Tons of different suppliers out there will supply you with 4 axis setups. Gecko drives have a good rep out there. For more info check out www.CNCZone.com. Great place for info.
Reply:Go to www.cnczone.com. I'm sure that someone on there has done exactly what you want to do. Then you can get a good est of the time involved in building your own machine (which has many benefits), To just buying a read to go machine. I vote  go the ready to run way, then learn how to machine, then build your own machine. Cnc machining is a full time job itself!!!
Reply:Get ready to spend 25 grand...Call Southwest Industries...Have them come out and in 4 hrs they will install a "prototrax" system on any Bridgeport or other mill you have..Then you have to learn to use it... I hope your good at triginometry.. ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Ive been going crazy with reading over there. Been learning a bunch from alot of people / searching, and now have a list of parts I need to build my own. Thanks for pointing me over there!