Lathe Electronic Leadscrew

I am developing an electronic leadscrew for my lathe, which is a device that replaces the change gears with an electronic controller and a motor. This project is a repository of the brackets, pulleys, control panel parts and reference models used in the prototypes and final design.

See the YouTube video series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDlWKv7KIIr90ZZ7Zqt-ge5nVVdS3WVgg

Thread cutting demonstration: https://youtu.be/7QaQrqn4yeI

Parts included in this collection:

  • Control panel face plate, flexible buttons and PCB spacer
  • Encoder magnet mounting bracket
  • Servo/Stepper motor front mounting bracket
  • TI LaunchXL-F280049C PCB reference model
  • Clough42 ELS Boost PCB reference model
  • Import LED&Key PCB reference model
  • Omron encoder reference model
  • 3D printed 3M and GT2 pulleys
  • Noga Popeye magnet reference model
  • DIN rail mounting clips for TI launchpad

This is a work in progress and will be periodically updated as the project progresses

A few notes:

The control panel is intended to be CNC-machined from a Bud Industries CU-124 die-cast project box. The modified lid of the box is included as STL and STEP files for reference. It's possible to print it in plastic, but this reduces the shielding effect of the metal box.

The buttons are intended to be printed in flexible material and installed trapped between the control panel face plate and the LED&Key PC board.

The timing pulley models are suitable for printing, but I don't recommend them for long-term use. Aluminum pulleys are more durable.

Some of the parts and tools used in this project and the videos:
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