Retrofit cost to Mach 3.

[Kwm Works]

Hello, everyone !
I was wondering if anyone would be so kind to give me an approximate cost to convert a Emco 120 to Mach 3. I recently purchased a 120 ( almost 6 months ago) and have had issues with the programs and pc.

Thanks  Kurt

[Hood]

All depends what you have. For example if its steppers it may be possible that just a rewire is needed and possibly a spindle control board. On the other hand it may need drives, breakout etc, so if you could say what you have then it would be easier to say, pics would possibly help.
Hood

[Kwm Works]

The machine is completely stock.

[Kwm Works]

The problem I believe is with the actual Computer. I havnt found a replacement for it and wanted to look into Mach 3 before I spend money on a new pc.

[Hood]

Yes but afraid it will need someone who knows the machine to know what stock is, hopefully someone will know.
Failing that do you have a link to a maintenance manual or such like?
Hood

[Kwm Works]

I have a manual. It is a fanuc series o controller.

[Promech]

As Hood indicates, there are many ways to do it.  I retrofitted an Emco 340 having in mind that it is not a hobby but an industrial production machine. Mach is installed in an industrial type computer, replaced DC drives with new servo drives, DC spindle motor with AC motor and VFD, added a PLC that controls many things, among them the hydraulic unit which comes with the machine. I would say I spent about $7000 USD in parts, and many hours wiring, writing the PLC program and just understanding what was going on.  Still need to do the turret. Have been working with gang tooling.

[Promech]

I use to have a Siemens Sinnumerik control built 1.985 or so. No support, no spare parts, too many manuals in german etc.  The Fanuc is a more popular control and you may want to try to  get your machine running before deciding on a major overhaul.

[Kwm Works]

I need to find a computer to replace the old one that will accept the emco card. When I gor a replacement software disc from emco it will not install . Its a Siemans 486.