Starting another conversion Harrison L5a

Well starting another conversion. Just looking for some advice and some answers.

1st the advice. I'm looking at two different systems and want some advice on which would be better. Ist is my personal 2nd choice

www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/product_info.php?products_id=598

This is an 850 oz dc-servo system. Not many doc's online for it, and really don't want to mess with servo's again

2nd is 1128 oz hybrid stepper kit. I'm looking towards this system due to an easier set up for steppers from what I've read.

www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/produc...cnc-kit-110vac220vac

I'll also be adding a VFD for spindle control and a homemade encoder disk for spindle positioning so I can thread.
I will also add in limit switches for the x axis and z axis.

Which ever system I use I will mount with a 3 to 1 timing belts.

for now I will drive the the Z axis off the acme screw and x off the cross slide acme screw.

Now for the questions.
I would like to use Mesa 5i25 7i77 combo. I used mesa on my brother tc-211 and the cards and support were priceless.
The only concern I have right now is on CNCzone it seems that mesa has had a real backlog on cards going out. I would like this build to go a little quicker.
Paul if you would like to chime in I would take your word on delivery as GOLD. You have never steered my wrong on your products.

Future projects on the lathe will include installing ball screws and a homebuilt 8 tool, tool changer (CNC of course grabcad.com/library/cnc-lathe-turret-1)

I may also add in a live tool on the cross slide. (just dreaming a little now)

So any ideas or advice would be great.

I'm also wondering if the kits I chose would have the power to drive a full size lathe.

Just a little pic of the machine before I start. I know how much everyone loves pics.







Still needs a good cleaning.

We have a fairly large backlog so expect at least 1-2 weeks for delivery
BTW for a step/dir system a 5I25/7I77 card set is not appropriate,
a 5I25/7I76 is similar card set for step/dir systems but may be overkill for a lathe

What would you recomend then.

I think I am going with the steeper kit from automation.


www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/produc...cnc-kit-110vac220vac

The cnc4pc kit is short a few things, like a control card $180 on their site and shown in their wiring diagram, plus not sure how it would work in Linux. they seem more mach 3 oriented. (usb parts and such).

Andy or PCW could you guide me to the mesa cards I would need for the 2 axis hybrid system and a vfd.
Thanks again.

www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/produc...cnc-kit-110vac220vac

here is the link

I guess we will have a build off then on full size machines then. hehehehe

good luck on your build. I'll be watching closely.