The settings that will have to be change will be your steps per inch in motor tuning (mach 3), or settings/axes(planetCNC). But we do not have the actual numbers/specs that will fit your 10 TPI 5 start lead screw, here is a tutorial video which explains how to get the exact numbers you need! (

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On the book build machine I changed the Z axis from a 13 tpi lead screw to an acme 10 tpi 5 start lead screw. What numbers do I put into the motor tuneing boxes.

The settings that will have to be change will be your steps per inch in motor tuning (mach 3), or settings/axes(planetCNC). But we do not have the actual numbers/specs that will fit your 10 TPI 5 start lead screw, here is a tutorial video which explains how to get the exact numbers you need! (

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On the Book Build: I'm changing the 13TPI 1/2" lead screw with the 1/2" 10 TPI Acme screw with the anti backlash nut. This is for the Z axis only. What should I know about installing it and what are the numbers I need to plug into the motor tuning area.

You want to make sure that the motors will be able to provide the necessary torque since there will not be mechanical advantage using roller chain. You will need a way to fix the chain to each end. I like to use #4 - 3/4" screws and #4 nuts. You will need a drive sprocket for each axis and a couple idler sprockets on each axis to serve as tensioners and guiding the roller chain.

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OK cool. I have NEMA 24 steppers rated 425 oz-in. Is there some rule of thumb I can use to guess if that's enough? I'm not planning to push against hard stock material.

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I have a lead screw machine I built from the book plans (i know, ancient history) and I'm thinking of converting the X and Y axis to rollerchain. Assuming I can configure my controller appropriately, is there anything I should buy besides chain, drive cog, tension cog and mounting hardware?

Most likely, the driver is not receiving the high or low signal for the direction terminals. The way direction works for an axis is the controller will output a high signal (5V) for one direction and low signal (0V) for the opposite direction. If the signal is always at one signal, say 5V, whether it is commanded in one direction or the other, then the axis will only move in that direction.

To solve this problem, make sure that the wiring is secure at both ends (from the controller to the driver). Also, make sure the Dir+ and DIR- are both wired correctly (i.e. the Dir- is connected to the signal gnd on the controller and the ZD is connected to Dir+ on the driver.

You can use a multimeter to determine the voltage at the ZD terminal by:
- setting the multimeter to DC voltage (the V with a straight line, or dashed line above the V)
- place the black lead on the gnd terminal
- place the red lead on the ZD terminal
- press the page up button and check the voltage
- press the page down button and check the voltage.

You should see the voltage change from 0V to 5V or vice versa.

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Hi I have just set up my machine using a mach 3 USB board I can only get the Z to go in one direction Y and X are Ok I have check wiring and looked at video over and over what have I missed??

You can use any type of threaded rod, i.e. ACME profile, hi-lead, ball screw, etc. The only change you will need to make is the way the lead nut fastens to the nut mount on the machine. Lead nuts for these non-allthread screws typically have flanges with mounting holes, so the mounting of this type of nut is far better than the standard nut used in the book build.

These better screw options will also allow your machine to move faster and with less backlash.

https://buildyourcnc.com/item/mechanical-leadscrews-antibacklash-nut-!5-5-starts-10-tpi

https://buildyourcnc.com/item/mechanical-leadscrews-lead-screw-!5-5-starts-10-tpi

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Has anyone built the machine from the book plans and made substitutions for the store-bought threaded rod? I wanted to spend a bit more money to ensure smoother/faster/more accurate travel with the lead screws, but i am not sure what to use. Mcmaster Carr has quite a few Acme lead screw options, however the price varies drastically. Any input is appreciated.

The maximum length we can ship is a total of 78" inches. However we can send your required length in portions. Please refer to adding the total items you require to your cart to get a visualized amount and shipping cost.

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Regarding 1/2" 5 start and 10 TPI ACME precision lead screw, what the maximum length you can ship within USA? I'm looking for something like 100" and I could use a 1" screw if available. Please include estimated price. Thanks.

Use a clamping collar (if you are using an ACME lead screw) or a couple of 1/2 nuts (if using an allthread) against the bearing to keep the bearing in place and make sure there is no axial play.

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How do I secure the non-motor end of the lead screw for my 'Book' machine build? Does it just sit inside the bearing or do i use a nut to lock it in place? I did not see any instructions for this in the book.

Book build (scratch build), feedrates and recommendation.

Using standard allthread will provide around 20-30 ipm using 36 volts. Although it allows for a working CNC machine, the RPM of the spindle/router will need to spin at the lowest setting to provide the beat efficiency and life for the end mill at 1/4" cut diameter and higher. The speeds may be fine for smaller end mills.

If you would like faster speeds, you should change the lead screws on the CNC machine to the 1/2" 5 start 10 TPI which translates to 2 turns per inch which means, the stepping motor will not need to turn as fast to produce faster motion. That is to say, the stepping motor will only need to turn two revolutions for the machine to travel one inch and with the allthread, the stepping motor will need to turn 13 times to reach one inch.

Link to the lead screw and other mechanical parts needed:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCMachineMechanicalParts.aspx

To change the lead screws you will need (for each axis):

1. The lead screw for that axis.
2. Two 1/2" collars to keep the lead screw axially stable.
3. One Antibacklash nut.

Additional Information:
20

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Since I am using normal all-thread lead screw 13 TPI 1/2" for the book build cnc, what can be the maximum feed rate of machine and how can I change the mechanical setup in mach 3? I am using 1/4" steel carbile endmill with 2 flutes and router is 2 HP with variable speed

The formula for finding the steps per mm is found in the units itself. First, you mentioned that the motor is a servo. This needs to be clarified as a servo is different than a stepper motor. Some servos behave similar to a stepper motor, so I will continue with this in mind.

The formula is (steps/mm):

You need to find the steps. The stepper motor has a natural number of steps per a full revolution. This is typically 200 steps per revolution.

The driver for the stepper motor allows you to increase the number of steps per revolution by adding a specified number of steps between each step. For instance, if you set the driver to 1/4 microstepping, then instead of having 200 steps per revolution, you would have 200 x 4 = 800 steps per revolution.

So now we have the first part of the formula:

Steps / mm = (200 x 4) / mm

Lets determine the mm side of the formula:

You mention that the pitch is 0.5 mm. Check to insure that the lead is also 0.5 mm. This could be a multiple start lead screw where the pitch is different than the turns per mm. If in this case, that the 0.5 mm is the travel for one full revolution, then you can simply plug this into the formula as:

mm = .5 mm

Otherwise, determine how fat the travel is for one complete revolution.

Therefor, with what we know and the driver is set at 1/4 microstepping and the stepper motor has a natural step count per revolution at 200:

steps / mm = (200 steps x 4) / 0.5 mm = 800 steps / 0.5 mm = 1600 steps / mm

If your travel for one revolution is not 0.5 mm, then plug in your travel distance instead.



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i know about steps/mm calculation for stepper motor, because i am using servo motor that why i asked about that. please tell for servo motor.

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because its my first time with servo motor i have no idea about calculation of parameter with servo.

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Have you attempted to contact the manufacturer or seller of the servo? We typically respond to customers of our products on this customer service area, unless we have extensive knowledge of the subject and can answer the question efficiently.

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hello there, i am using servo motor for my X and Y Axis but i dont know how to calculate steps/mm for that, the lead screw i am using is have pitch of .5 mm. please helpme on this i have done everything only this point is pending.

Currently we do not have that modification kit, our set up is fixed for our greenBull only modification kit we have for this model is the long z-axis kit(Designed for Foam cutting).

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I am building your "Green Bull' 6 foot wide kit and I am at the stage of attaching the motor and drive chain. I would like to know if you have an modification kit available to put the 1/2" ACME screw on the Y-axis?

If the turns per inch on a lead screw is different, then the nut on the lead screw will move at a different velocity.

Additional Information:
Let me explain in more detail.

Let's say you have two lead screws:

- 1/2" 5 starts at 10 TPI = 2 turns per inch. (5 starts / 10 TPI = 1/2 inches per turn or 10 TPI / 5 Starts = 2 turns per inch.)

- 3/8" 2 starts at 10 TPI = 5 turns per inch. (2 starts / 10 TPI = 1/5 inches per turn or 10 TPI / 2 starts = 5 turns per inch.)


So, if two stepper motors (one connected to the 1/2" lead screw and the other connected to the 3/8" lead screw) turned 10 revolutions in 2 seconds, the 1/2" lead nut would travel 5 inches and the 3/8" lead nut would travel 2 inches at the 2 second mark.

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If I buy the 1/2" 5 start lead screw and the 3/8" 5 start lead screws will it all work together

On the top of the stepper motor drivers is a grid with the appropriate toggle switch positions for the lead screw being used. If it is 2 turns per inch, the proper toggle switch positions would be 01101110. Try this and see if it works.

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What are the toggle switch settings on the stepper motor drivers for the .5 in. lead screw 10 tpi 2 turns per inch? Thankyou!

If the turns per inch on a lead screw is different, then the nut on the lead screw will move at a different velocity.

Additional Information:
Let me explain in more detail.

Let's say you have two lead screws:

- 1/2" 5 starts at 10 TPI = 2 turns per inch. (5 starts / 10 TPI = 1/2 inches per turn or 10 TPI / 5 Starts = 2 turns per inch.)

- 3/8" 2 starts at 10 TPI = 5 turns per inch. (2 starts / 10 TPI = 1/5 inches per turn or 10 TPI / 2 starts = 5 turns per inch.)


So, if two stepper motors (one connected to the 1/2" lead screw and the other connected to the 3/8" lead screw) turned 10 revolutions in 2 seconds, the 1/2" lead nut would travel 5 inches and the 3/8" lead nut would travel 2 inches at the 2 second mark.

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Will the 1/2" 5 start lead screw and the 3/8" 5 start will it all work together in unison

If the turns per inch on a lead screw is different, then the nut on the lead screw will move at a different velocity.

Additional Information:
Let me explain in more detail.

Let's say you have two lead screws:

- 1/2" 5 starts at 10 TPI = 2 turns per inch. (5 starts / 10 TPI = 1/2 inches per turn or 10 TPI / 5 Starts = 2 turns per inch.)

- 3/8" 2 starts at 10 TPI = 5 turns per inch. (2 starts / 10 TPI = 1/5 inches per turn or 10 TPI / 2 starts = 5 turns per inch.)


So, if two stepper motors (one connected to the 1/2" lead screw and the other connected to the 3/8" lead screw) turned 10 revolutions in 2 seconds, the 1/2" lead nut would travel 5 inches and the 3/8" lead nut would travel 2 inches at the 2 second mark.

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Will the 1/2" 5 start lead screw and the 3/8" 5 start will it all work together in unison

We will provide shim washers as a part of machine assemblies, but when purchasing lead screw and bearings, the shim washers must be purchased as well. Please give us a call and we can send them out.

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I just ordered a 1/2" lead screw and bearings, etc. But I don't see any 1/2" shim washers for those bearings. If you have any, please toss 8 of them in the shipment and I'll gladly reimburse you.

What controller are you using to control the cnc machine (Mach3 usb, parallel breakout board, etc.)?

The spindle VFD has an input for 0-10 volts to control the speed and can be used with the MAch3 USB or the Pokeys57CNC board. There are also other terminals in the VFD to control the forwared/reverse and start and stop. Mach3 has parameters to control these output and you need to specify which pins are used for these.

You can also use the TX/RX RS-485 connection on the VFD to have total control using an FTDI USB to serial connector board to connect the computer directly to the VFD.

How to connect the USB to Serial adapter to the VFD:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/FAQ/13790

FTDI USB to Serial:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/Interfaces-newbiehack-Interfaces-TTL232R-USB-UART-Serial

Pokeys57CNC board:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

Mach3 USB board:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

Parallel Breakout board:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay



Additional Information:
I do apologize for leaving out the parts list.
Leadshine MX4660 4-Axis Digital Stepper Motor Driver
Ethernet SmoothStepper
YL600-2S-2K20 VFD
4 Relay control board
Has anyone had any success getting Mach3 to control the spindle speed and direction?

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I have the 2.2KW VFD. I would like to have it controlled through software. What are the Mode parameters that need to be changed that will allow FWD/ REV, START/STOP and RPM control?

I would recommend using the blackToe CNC machine kit. The overall travel dimensions are 24" x 48" x 6". This will provide a bit of space on the sides as wiggle room if your guitar bodies are at the extremes of the 12". Also, if you are manufacturing may of these, the larger routing area, the more guitar bodies you will be able to cut at one time.

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I need a machine to cut guitar bodies. The bodies are 12" x 16" and 1.5" thick. What would work best?

You can see the component list on the hardware and plans machine (scratch build machine) since it is the same machine in the book:

https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Item/cnc-machine-scratchbuild

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I have just brought your build your own cnc machine book and it talks about PDF downloads. Where do I find them please ?

It is usually best to mount the motor in a way so it is spinning clockwise to avoid confusion.

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ok, but lets say the motors turn clockwise. if you mount it to ether side of the y axis it will pull to that side so what are the correct positions of the stepper motors. is it the left side or the right side of the y axis and also is it the front or back of the x axis?

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cw250 with mach3 controller

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What side of the x and y axis do you mount the stepper motor to? If it does not matter what side, do I have to change something in mach3?