This page will summarize and include all the information that I gathered and used to convert the Precision Mathews model PM-30MV Mill to a CNC Mill. Many thanks to the other YouTube videos from other authors that helped me in the conversion of my mill and also thanks to other websites such as the Centroid Web site, the DMM website and the Arizona CNC web site. If I missed any other references in the below compilation, please send me an e-mail and I will add it to this list. This page is meant to be a reference source for others who want to convert their Mills and lathes for CNC operation.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION- This page was started on 11/1/2021 and estimated completion is 4/1/2022.
Precision PM-30MV CNC Conversion
To convert the Precision Mathews model PM-30MV Mill to CNC I decided to use the Centroid Acorn software and board to control the operation of the mill. I also decided to use the Arizona CNC Double Ball Screw system to convert the Acme ball screws. Finally I selected to use the DMM model DYN4 AC servo motors and drives to do this conversion.
Centroid Acorn Software - After reviewing the other software and hardware systems available to operate the CNC Mill and reviewing the comments of others who have made similar conversions I decided on the Centroid Scorn Software. Other systems such as Mach3 and 4 as well a Linux were also considered but the Acorn system appeared to be more reliable, easier to install and highly rated by other operators.
DMM Model DYN4 Servo Motors and Drives - I debated for a while if I should use closed loop stepper motors or servo motors for this conversion. All of my experience to date has been with stepper motors which I used in my Automated Accu-Slice system with the automated and unattended operation of a band saw. However after reviewing the comments of other operators and after a discussion with Stephen at DMM Technologies I decided to go with the servo motors. The Servo motors run quieter and cooler and should be more reliable. My concerns were that they were more costly and I had no previous experience using them.
Arizona Double Ball Screws - By first thought was to use the existing Acme screws that were installed on the mill. My hesitation was the thought of installing new ball screws on a mill that weighs over 500 pounds. But the ball screws will have less backlash and give more accurate results. I have a small shop in my basement and any operation will need to be done by me alone. However after reviewing the comments from others who have made this conversion I decided to go ahead with the double ball screws. Again I reviewed the double ball screws from various sources including Arizona CNC, Heavy Metal and several others and after several e-mail communications with Arizona CNC I decided to go with their units.
Reference sources used for my conversion
- Marty's CNC Garage - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTNt9IIjsk5HNwnjzer6GVQ
- Franco You Tube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTNt9IIjsk5HNwnjzer6GVQ
- Dr D-Flo - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ10renzLSd4cJEn-C2e_Tw
Adjustment and Alignment of the PM Mill
Below is a very good series of videos on the setup, adjustment and alignment of the PM Mill. This series of videos will be very useful after installing the ball screws to readjust and realign the mill. Video series by At-Man Unlimited Machining.
Below is a very good series of videos on the setup, adjustment and alignment of the PM Mill. This series of videos will be very useful after installing the ball screws to readjust and realign the mill. Video series by At-Man Unlimited Machining.
- CNC Machine Setup and Alignment Part 1: Introduction
- CNC Machine Setup and Alignment Part 2: Leveling
- CNC Machine Setup and Alignment Part 3: Table Parallel to Motion
- CNC Machine Setup and Alignment Part 4: Straightness of XY
- CNC Machine Setup and Alignment Part 5: Squareness of XY
- CNC Machine Setup and Alignment Part 6: Z Alignment
- CNC Machine Setup and Alignment Part 7: Spindle Tram
- CNC Machine Setup and Alignment Part 8: Backlash
- CNC Machine Setup and Alignment Part 9: Ball Screw Pitch Comp
Schematics and Pictures
My YouTube Videos & Related Videos for the Conversion (PLANNED)
- Electronics Design and Assembly - 11/20/2021
- Double Ball Screw Installation
- Assembly of the Servo Motors
- Final Assembly and Testing
- Spindle Motor
Parts List of Materials used for the CNC Conversion
- Centroid Acorn CNC Controller
- Centroid CNC12 "Free" CNC Mill and Lathe software download
- Centroid Acorn Mill Pro Software
- Centroid CNCPC Touch Screen Computer
- Centroid ESTOP Button #14534
- DMM Servos and Drivers
- DYN4-HD01A2-00 - DYN4 AS Servo Drive - H01 Frame. 0.75-1.0kW (3 ea)
- 85N-DHT-A6MD1 - NEMA 34 Frame Servo Motor (3 ea)
- CAEN-HL3-TSP - 3m Encoder Cable (3 ea)
- CAMP-HL3-SSP - 3m Motor Cable (3 ea)
- CA-CUACRN-M4-1 - 1m DYN4 Servo Drive to Centroid Acorn Motion cable (3 ea)
- CA-MTUSB-FR1 - USB to Molex 7 Pin Drive Tune Up Cable
- Arizona CNC double Ball Screws
- PM30 CNC Kit
- DigiKey
- FN2030-1-06 - Line Filter 250VAC, 1A (3)
- FN2030-10-06 - Line Filter 250VAC, 10A (3)
- Automation Direct
- SC-E02PG-24VDC - Fuji Electric IEC Contactor, 9A N.O. (3)
- FAZ-C20-2-NA - Eaton miniature Circuit Breaker, 20A , 2 Pole (3)
- Amazon
- VEVOR NEMA Steel Enclosure, 24 x 16 x 10'' NEMA 4X Steel Electrical Box
- 16 and 18 Gauge hook up wire, multi-strand