Wayne
The toolpost was removed for the testing procedure in the Uni, they had their own toolpost made up which seemingly was made with a humane stun gun (slaughter house type). From what I understand the tool was fed into the titanium then the gun was fired and this broke off the tip still embedded in the work. Then they were able to remove the broken tip and the attached swarf and do their studies.
The turret and toolpost seem to index via the hydraulics and relays, there is also mention of a rack in the schematics but not sure exactly how they operate.
The tailstock seems to be independant of the controls from what I have seen so far. I think really all you do is position and lock in place then move the spool valve lever for in or out, not even sure how much travel there is yet. There is a pressure gauge and I presume a blow off valve.
I am away to have another look at the schematics so hopefully I will understand a bit more.
Found some info on the motors on mine, they are polish made under lisence from peerless, it gives voltages etc but no max current. The continuos stall torque is 20.7NM and the Peak is 187nm. This really means nothing to me but sounds pretty good.
I have heard that there is a guy that can make a board to convert resolvers to ttl so I will mail him and see if its true, would save me having to try and source encoders as the ones I have found so far are pretty expensive.
Just been having a look at your hardinge thread, looks like a nice machine.
Hood