Kuhlmann Engraver/mill retrofit Build log
01 Dec 2025 21:56 #339612
by OHEngineering
Kuhlmann Engraver/mill retrofit Build log was created by OHEngineering
Hi everyone!
I'm a long time lurker but first time poster.
I've been wanting to do something with LinuxCNC for a while now probalby 8-10 years. I've built/run several 3D printers as well as a Queenbee CNC Gantry router but using GRBL and ESTL controller has been way to simple to get up and running.
Meaning I've both been lazy and haven't really seen the need for using LinuxCNC.
I did plan on replacing the ESTL controller that is running the Queenbee router but it is working way to good for me to mess with it.
However!
An opportunity arose when I found a Kuhlmann mill on auction for next to nothing, probably since the controls where both partly missing and outdated, so i got it for an absolute steal, including service fees and tax it was less than 50 Eur.
So my plan is to retrofit it with LinuxCNC, convert it from steppers to Servos, and run both IO and servos on ethercat.
I figure I will use this a s a build log, I am also planning to film most of it but I have no idea of how quickly I can get any videos out.
It has been some time since I edited any video but I think it would be fun to get back to it again.
I hope to have updates here every other week or so, depending on life.
If you have any suggestions on hardware/config or any pitfalls to avoid, give me a heads up!
The mill as it looked when I picked it up. It looks like is has mostly been used for cutting plastics, based on the debris Iv'e cleaned from it so far.
The manufacturer as well as the original seller of the machine
The extremely outdated control system, a Berger Lahr KIM500. I have not found much info about it and all the stepper drivers are missing, the shop I got it from had several other Kuhlmann mills so my guess is this one has been scavanged for parts.
Berger Lahr was bought by Schneider Electric ages ago, before the internet was really a thing so there is not much info out there on them at all.
It was set up to use 5 phase stepper motors, and IF i had been able to find any drivers I might have used the orginal motors to save some money but no one seems to supply generic drives for 5 phase steppers.
So wish me luck and we will see when I have any more updates.
I'm a long time lurker but first time poster.
I've been wanting to do something with LinuxCNC for a while now probalby 8-10 years. I've built/run several 3D printers as well as a Queenbee CNC Gantry router but using GRBL and ESTL controller has been way to simple to get up and running.
Meaning I've both been lazy and haven't really seen the need for using LinuxCNC.
I did plan on replacing the ESTL controller that is running the Queenbee router but it is working way to good for me to mess with it.
However!
An opportunity arose when I found a Kuhlmann mill on auction for next to nothing, probably since the controls where both partly missing and outdated, so i got it for an absolute steal, including service fees and tax it was less than 50 Eur.
So my plan is to retrofit it with LinuxCNC, convert it from steppers to Servos, and run both IO and servos on ethercat.
I figure I will use this a s a build log, I am also planning to film most of it but I have no idea of how quickly I can get any videos out.
It has been some time since I edited any video but I think it would be fun to get back to it again.
I hope to have updates here every other week or so, depending on life.
If you have any suggestions on hardware/config or any pitfalls to avoid, give me a heads up!
The mill as it looked when I picked it up. It looks like is has mostly been used for cutting plastics, based on the debris Iv'e cleaned from it so far.
The manufacturer as well as the original seller of the machine
The extremely outdated control system, a Berger Lahr KIM500. I have not found much info about it and all the stepper drivers are missing, the shop I got it from had several other Kuhlmann mills so my guess is this one has been scavanged for parts.
Berger Lahr was bought by Schneider Electric ages ago, before the internet was really a thing so there is not much info out there on them at all.
It was set up to use 5 phase stepper motors, and IF i had been able to find any drivers I might have used the orginal motors to save some money but no one seems to supply generic drives for 5 phase steppers.
So wish me luck and we will see when I have any more updates.
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