Tools/boxford

Boxford 260 VMC CNC Milling Machine

This tool requires induction

Owing to it's dangerous nature, delicate nature, or expense, this tool requires that you be inducted on it's proper handling before use.

Introduction

The Boxford 260 VMC is an educational model CNC mill that is in the process of being upgraded with a modern controller and electronics. The CNC milling machine has a maximum travel of 250mm x 120mm and a vertical travel of 180mm, the spindle is speed controlled from 0-3000rpm. It's suitable for use with Aluminium, Brass, Mild steel (with caution), stainless steel (very, very slowly) and most Plastics. The Boxford mill requires induction before you can use it as it is a complex and challenging to use tool. The boxford is kept downstairs on the west wall between the drill press and the linisher.

Current status

Date	Status	Comment
5th May 2021	Operating normally	Rewiring Stage-2 complete

Known Issues

Door interlock switch disconnected (might not want to reconnect)
Spindle resumes automatically when E-stop is released, proper re-start procedure can deal with this safely but it still shouldn't happen
Spindle bearings need replacement, killed by too much exposure to sawdust
Control system fuse needs to be replaced with 10x38 2A slow-blow
Head needs tramming

Machine Details

Controller: Custom built smoothieboard made by Richard-I connected to a micro-PC
Spindle motor: Lenke 180V DC permanent magnet motor
Spindle Driver: Parker Controls 508/00/20/00 12A 180V motor driver
Limit Switches: SIP10-C2 NPN NO AECO V3 Shielded inductive sensors
Stepper PSU: 60V DC 1500W switch mode power supply
Stepper drivers : DM860H 7.2A fan-cooled stepper drivers
Stepper Motors: NEMA34 8-wire steppers that are about 80mm deep, The X and Y Axis motors are unknown, the Z-axis motor is RS part number 180-5291

Planned Upgrades

Make new front panel
Reinstate touch probe
Replace controller with MESA 7i76E
Install LinuxCNC option
Rebuild spindle
New spindle motor and driver

Boxford Caretakers

Inductions

The following people offer induction for the Boxford.

Name/Contact	Notes
Steve-R

Workshops

The following workshops are available which use the boxford CNC milling machine

Introduction to CNC milling

Maintainers

Name/Contact	Notes
Steve-R

Recent Changes

Phase-2 rewire finished Stever (talk) 18:13, 5 May 2021 (BST)
Replace fusing system with better breaking capacity fuses Stever (talk) 16:04, 30 April 2021 (BST)
Final fit of limit switches, connect stepper enable lines to +12V, add proper EMI suppression on air solenoids Stever (talk) 18:43, 29 April 2021 (BST)
Replace failed spindle motor controller Stever (talk) 22:52, 21 April 2021 (BST)
Install limit switches and configure Stever (talk) 21:41, 19 April 2021 (BST)
Replace Z-axis stepper motor, reinstate mist cooler and covers Stever (talk) 22:06, 7 April 2021 (BST)
Replace PSU with 60V 1500W unit, re-install enclosure lights, tidy wiring considerably, re-install protection fuses, connect spindle driver to E-stop system Stever (talk) 18:03, 25 March 2021 (UTC)
Readjust gibs that had loosened Stever (talk) 18:00, 19 March 2021 (UTC)
Fitted new drivers, wiring is a mess that needs redoing. Stever (talk) 22:01, 27 February 2021 (UTC)
Adjust gibs on all axis, neaten up wiring and improve star-grounding, re-connect spindle cooling fan. Stever (talk) 22:30, 21 February 2021 (UTC)
Phase-1 rewire completed, boxford returned to service. Stever (talk) 02:12, 25 August 2019 (UTC)
Rewire continues but we lost a driver and the bridge rectifier to an unexpected ground-return loop. Stever (talk) 02:58, 19 August 2019 (UTC)
The stepper driver has been repaired, boxford is functional again. Stever (talk) 10:55, 27 September 2018 (UTC)
The x-axis stepper driver has failed under test, is being investigated to determine if it can be repaired or replaced Stever (talk) 20:11, 23 September 2018 (UTC)

Image Gallery

Machining a cast gear to final size
Setting up to cut and drill a stainless steel sword pommel
Machining cold-rolled 304 Stainless Steel
Finished stainless steel pommel plate
Decking off some aluminium to make an insert for the Bandsaw
Engraving a brass Plaque for the Rondel Dagger