I wanted to convert a manual milling machine I had to CNC. Having no experience with CNC at all, I thought it would be nice to have something easily debuggable. Having a couple of Pi's laying around Python and GPIO came to mind. Some people warned me that I should use a realtime system. Well, let's challenge that thought. Started out with default raspbian.
Furthermore, being inexperienced I wanted to use readily available parts, ie. 3d printer parts I could pick up at a local shop. (NEMA 17, pololu, mcp230016)
To make connecting stuff convenient and easier I decided to make a Raspberry Pi shield for mounting the pololus and the io expander.
Software on github/noisegate, machine. PCB follows.
Cool project. FYI you're probably fine using that drill chuck for really light milling, but you'll eventually wear it out. Better to use a collet holder which is rated for side loads.
>Cool project. Thx :) > FYI Yep, thx for the comment. I'll have to get myself a bunch of collets with different diameters. Then I´ll maybe make a video with a more 'correct' setup ;)
Cool project. FYI you're probably fine using that drill chuck for really light milling, but you'll eventually wear it out. Better to use a collet holder which is rated for side loads.