Uploaded January 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Boosting performance with AC Servo motors and a mist coolant system. My DIY CNC mill is inching closer to an industrial-grade vertical milling center.

Resources and BOM: drdflo.com/CNC-Mill.html
Dr. D-Flo's Instagram: instagram.com/dr.dflo
D-Flo’s Amazon Store: amazon.com/shop/dr.d-flo

DMM Servo Motors, Drives, and Cables:
DMM Servo Drive: geni.us/DMM-Drive
DMM X & Y Motors: geni.us/DMM-86N-DHT
DMM Z Motor w/ Brake: geni.us/DMM-A15-DHT
Power Cable for X & Y: geni.us/Power-Cable1
Encoder Cable for X & Y: geni.us/Encoder-Cable1
Power Cable for Z: geni.us/Power-Cable2
Encoder Cable for Z: geni.us/Encoder-Cable2
Tuning Cable: geni.us/Tuning
Common tools and supplies: dflo.info/Amazon

MQL System and Coolant:
FogBuster Mini: geni.us/FogBuster
DuraKut DK7000B (Paid Link): geni.us/DuraKut7000B

Misc. Products:
Servomotor Disc Coupler: geni.us/Disc-Coupler
Kurt CNC Vise (Paid Link): geni.us/Kurt-DX6
Kurt Magnetic Jaw and Parallel Set (Paid Link): geni.us/Magnetic-Jaws

Video Description:
It is time to take Dr. D-Flo’s barebones CNC mill and upgrade it with components that will improve its throughput, repeatability, and cut quality. The goal is to have a capable machine for eventually producing products to sell. This is the first video in this upgrade series and is focused on improving the linear motion of the mill. To eliminate resonance (i.e. vibration) and other movement anomalies, Dr. D-Flo is swapping out the open-loop stepper motors for DMM AC Servo motors. Dr. D-Flo discusses the differences between Servo and Stepper motors and how servo motors are “position-aware” through closed-loop encoder feedback. Dr. D-Flo walks through the process of tuning a servo motor, which is much easier than people on the forums make it out to be.

In addition to installing the servo motors, Dr. D-Flo also adds the Mini FogBuster Mist coolant system. The FogBuster is a Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) device that works perfectly for open-air mill setups because it dispenses just enough coolant to keep the endmill cool, which minimizes the mess associated with coolant/lubricant. Further, the FogBuster uses a patented technology to prevent the generation of aerosols (known as atomizing), so when you are in a small and enclosed space like Dr. D-Flo’s garage the amount of coolant you will inhale will be kept to a minimum.

These upgrades combine to create some awesome parts, so if you enjoy watching a CNC mill at work then stick around until the end! Get subscribed because there will be more awesome upgrades to come.

Table of Contents:
00:00 - Introduction
04:12 - Servo vs Stepper Motors
07:38 - Installing Servo Motors
16:04 - Tuning Servo Motors
24:05 - MQL Systems
24:43 - Compressed Air Setup
26:14 - Relay & Flyback Diode
28:01 - Installing FogBuster
31:17 - Atomizing
32:09 - Test Cut
38:39 - Faster Rapids

Disclosure:
Dr. D-Flo was not paid to make this video, but he did receive the products at a reduced rate or free of charge, which is why this video is marked to include paid promotion.

#Servos #Coolant #Mill