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Grizzly G0704 CNC Conversion Made Easy: DIY Way to Convert Your Manual Milling Machine into CNC

by Uncategorized

The Grizzly G0704 is the best-selling milling machine in the country, thanks to its affordable price and unparalleled range of features.

 

It is easy to operate and even newbie machinists can use it to carry out various machining tasks. It is also a versatile and adaptable machine suitable for professional shops and dedicated production tasks.

 

The R8 spindle in the mill is powered by a variable speed 1 HP motor. The motor powers the spindle from 50-1125 RPM in the low and 100-2250 RPM in the high.

 

It also comes with a convenient digital readout, a chip guard on the spindle to keep the debris from flying to the operator, and tapered gibs with double locks for accuracy and precision.

 

With all these features, you would think the Grizzly G0704 is the perfect milling machine for you. But, there is still room for improvement. And the best way to make this mill better is to convert it into CNC using the Grizzly G0704 CNC conversion kit.

What is CNC Conversion?

CNC conversion is the process of integrating various parts and modules into a manual machine to automate it.

 

One can convert a machine into CNC using a DIY CNC conversion kit. CNC conversion kits come with a range of hardware components and motors to automate the movement of the machine.

 

CNC conversion kits also come with a new control unit, home and limit switches, and software to help you control the movement of the machine on various fronts.

 

Alright, now that we have understood what CNC conversion is, let’s take a look at how Grizzly G0704 conversion can be achieved.

The Right Way For Grizzly G0704 Conversion 

The Grizzly G0704 Benchtop Mill, as the name suggests, comes with a table. This table provides support and helps in the easy conversion of the mill.

 

Moreover, most parts of the Grizzly G0704 are straightforward, allowing for seamless conversion.

 

The Grizzly G0704 is also a popular contender for CNC conversion because it has a large work area and square vertical column, making it simple to integrate new hardware.

 

A Grizzly G0704 comes with three axes to cut metal: x, y, and z. The machine comes fitted with handwheels by the table and on the top to manually operate the three axes and produce modified objects.

 

Using a CNC conversion kit, you can add motors to these handles and automate the machine’s movements.

 

How do you control the motors? You use drivers. Drivers take impulses from the breakout board, which is sent from a computer to automate the movement of the machine.

 

So far, we have identified the essential things you need to convert your mill into a CNC machine. On the electronic side, you would need motors, drivers, and a breakout board.

 

On the non-electronic side, you would need mounts that put the motors, drivers, and breakout board to use.

 

You also need ball screws to replace the acme screws inside the machine that controls the motion of the table and the head.

 

Now that you have all the parts with you, it is time to take the machine apart.

 

First of all, you would need to take the head off the machine.

 

Start from the top and remove the parts of the machine where ball screws and mounts need to be installed.

 

Remove the components from the Z axes first and then move on to the X and Y axes.

 

Once you have removed the head and the three axes, you will have a bare naked machine ready to be integrated with new bits and pieces.

 

Now, you need to modify the Y-axis block to allow space for the X-axis ball nut.

 

The second permanent modification you need to make to the machine is to drill and tap the two holes that will hold the X-axes motor mount in place. 

 

Now, put the Y-axis ball screw into the G0704 milling machine, set the bearings into the Y-axis bearing block, and install the motor mount. Finally, mount the motor on the Y-axis.

 

Similarly, put the ball nut and table assembly for the X-axis into place and mount the motor on it.

 

Do the same with the Z-axis.

 

Lastly, put the head of the machine back to its place, and you have got yourself a motor-operated milling machine.

 

Now, all you need to do is put in the electronic parts that are going to be driving the machine.

 

Set the electronic components to work with the hardware, and your manual machine is now CNC.

 

Once you have converted your G0704 mill into CNC, use it to perform a simple machining task like cutting a circle in a metal plate. Make sure the machine is working accurately and is producing the result that you input into the software.

Conclusion

Converting your Grizzly G0704 Into CNC is a pretty quick and straightforward task. All you need to do is be careful about the parts you are using and make sure they are sturdy enough to carry out whatever kind of task you need to carry out.

 

CNC Conversion Plus provides the best conversion kits for Grizzly G0704 and a range of other machines. Our products are inexpensive, factory-certified, and allow you to convert your manual machines into CNC yourself.

 

We also provide quality electronic components to go with the hardware so you can start converting your machine without having to worry about missing parts.

 

Lastly, our DIY conversion kits come with a comprehensive installation guide to revert to whenever you are feeling stuck.

 

wen33075 benchtop conversion kit

Why Do You Need A CNC Conversion Kit For Your Milling Machine?

by blogs

We’ve come a long way from room-sized machines, and today even the most complex machines are made in the most minimalistic and sleek ways. These machines have both gotten smaller and improved over the years. Lathes and mills have also changed, from giant and bulky to small and compact. You can still find room-sized machines in high-end production houses or large factories.
But even with the latest advancements in technology, most small mills and lathes are not CNC equipped. For most people, this isn’t a problem, but you should know that there are some things a small lathe simply isn’t capable of doing.
If you are thinking, “why not buy a CNC mill?” well, most machines are too large or too expensive. But, not all hope is lost as there is a convenient workaround available for machine enthusiasts and small shops who like to play around with machines – CNC milling machine conversion kit.
If you are still not sure about these kits and how do they work, then continue reading and find out yourself.

What is a CNC Conversion Kit?

A CNC conversion kit for an older mill includes a huge range of new components along with detailed instructions for installation. There will be shiny new hardware, including motors, to give the mill automated movement along the X, Y, and Z-axes. And that’s not all; you will also find a new control unit and software.

Important Parts of a CNC Conversion Kit

  • Limit switches

This prevents the machine from damaging itself by moving to the very extreme ends of any particular axes.

  • Motor control unit

Every conversion kit will be different from one another as most are designed to work with certain older machines and, in rare cases, with specific families of machines by a particular manufacturer.

Some conversion kits will be quite simple; all they will have will be the motors and other hardware required to make the machine CNC capable, while other conversion kits will be quite extensive. These will include packages with control units and specific programming software.

What to look for when shopping for a CNC Conversion kit?

You need to understand that the “one size fits all” approach doesn’t work when you are shopping, or a CNC conversion kit as every kit will be entirely different. Therefore it is essential that you pick the right machine for yourself and your needs.

How do Conversion kits work?

The design is simple yet effective, and that is what makes it unique. The conversion kits take advantage of the original mill’s existing layout, which means that they don’t add new axes of movements. The conversion kit will motorize the existing movements and allow pre-programmed movement. This will allow you to make the least changes to the machine, making most conversion a matter of mere hours not, days or weeks.

When you get your hands on the conversion kit, you’ll receive fresh hardware along with thorough instructions. Installing the conversion kit may require removing some of the components from your machine before installing the new ones. Most of the conversion kits that are sold are marketed as hobbyists or DIY-ers. Therefore, the instructions tend to be understandable and easy to follow.

Advantages of a CNC Conversion Milling Machine

Here are some advantages of buying a CNC Mill Conversion Kit.

Affordable upgrades

The single best advantage of a CNC conversion kit is that it offers a cost-effective means of upgrading old machinery. Conversion kits might differ in price, but they are usually less than half the price of a new CNC machine.

High-quality customization

Usually, an enthusiast will use a conversion kit along with his/her own tweaks. This can be a custom control module that is modified from an old computer, and there are still more upgrades to the machine itself apart from the ones that the conversion kit will do.

Enhanced production abilities

A CNC conversion kit will give you all the capabilities of a high-end functioning CNC machine. Automated production, custom part runs, along a high degree of precision are all possible with a CNC conversion kit.

If you are looking for a harbor freight mini mill CNC conversion kit, then you’ve come to the right place. CNC conversion Plus has the best conversion kits at the best price.