I had wanted to upgrade my JET JTM-1 Knee Mill Clone to CNC for some time, I researched this and picked out the features I wanted which were affordable and readily available:

-Turn key closed loop servo control system

-P.C. servo control and DXF programming software

-Driving the knee for Z axis for maximum rigidity

-Off the shelf Pulleys and belts

-Motor mount hardware machined from common materials

Servo and stepper drive costs are very reasonable and affordable, quality systems are certainly available now. The 024 Logitrol Large Servo system I use from lowcostcncretrofits.com is a great value and accurate, very reassuring if you want to build your CNC kneemill without all the electronic compatibility worries. If you are someone who lives for electronic challenges, and you want to build your own, I do salute you that is for sure!

An additional great advance is the Artsoft Mach3 software that allows a high level of machine axis control and DXF imports with rapid partfile output. You have to see it to believe it really, get someone with that creative desire to make something cool (and right now)...and have them practice making brackets, fittings, levers, etc. they can watch the toolpath and rotate the view etc. It is good for 999 lines of Gcode as a demo and costs $159.00 for the unlimited licence. They update and upgrade the program regularly.
This software allows your PC to function as a machine control through your printer port to the servo or stepper motor controller.

You will need to achieve and maintain the mechanical perfection of your installation for ideal results, i.e. tight keys in the keyways, good pulley fits on the shafts. This will give satisfactory (or better!) results, The time spent building your CNC Retrofit machine can be a very enjoyable experience and one you can forever be proud of and is a great confidence builder!

Get started with your own Knee Mill CNC retrofit today!

Regards,

David Fahringer