Guest
Show Posts
1
Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / And another Hardinge HXL retro fit - by a newbie :)
« on: January 03, 2007, 12:29:39 PM »
Thought I would start my own thread regarding this venture as I have already gone too far off topic on other folks' threads.
Wayne wrote:
Mark.
Retrofiiting is not really very difficult, and there's lots of help available in the Mach Scene. I'm fairly lucky in that I have been retrofitting machines from a time long before Art started Mach etc.
It does help to run the machine on the original control, which in your case is easy. I've had to do a few totally blind with no data or anything, and they were certainly a headache to say the least.
Retrofitting with something like mach actually usually makes the machine much simpler than the original machine. As an example on the Hardinge I was able to completely remove the Wardrobe sized cabinet with double doors which housed the original electronics. Now I have a tiny enclosure. It helps that the newer drives etc are a lot smaller.
It need not cost too much either. I don't do things by halves as a rule, and have less than $3000 investedin the Leadwell VMC, it's already paid that back a few times. The Hardinge has cost more than I'd have wished, mainly due to it needing new servo motors and belt/pullies, I also chose to change the DC spindle drive for a new Siemens AC motor and Drive. But I'd reckon it will be paid back within the 1st month or so of use.
I know it's a scary thought, but you can do it with some common sense and good advice.
Wayne.....
I do understand the basic theory about retro-fitting. It's the details that I am unsure (nervous) about.
To sart with some basic questions:
What is the difference between a DC drive and an AC drive (and motor?) What are the benefits/detractors of each? Can I use my existing stuff (motors, servos, etc.) to keep the cost down? What should I be looking at as far as geckos, break out boards, etc? Obviously, you have Hardinge experience. Would you know exactly what I have on my machine or are there things I need to be looking for (like tags on motors, encoder specifics and such)?
As for the extra room garnered in removing all that GE 1050 controller "stuff", I'm thinking about installing a shop bathroom in the empty enclosure.
Mark
Wayne wrote:
Mark.
Retrofiiting is not really very difficult, and there's lots of help available in the Mach Scene. I'm fairly lucky in that I have been retrofitting machines from a time long before Art started Mach etc.
It does help to run the machine on the original control, which in your case is easy. I've had to do a few totally blind with no data or anything, and they were certainly a headache to say the least.
Retrofitting with something like mach actually usually makes the machine much simpler than the original machine. As an example on the Hardinge I was able to completely remove the Wardrobe sized cabinet with double doors which housed the original electronics. Now I have a tiny enclosure. It helps that the newer drives etc are a lot smaller.
It need not cost too much either. I don't do things by halves as a rule, and have less than $3000 investedin the Leadwell VMC, it's already paid that back a few times. The Hardinge has cost more than I'd have wished, mainly due to it needing new servo motors and belt/pullies, I also chose to change the DC spindle drive for a new Siemens AC motor and Drive. But I'd reckon it will be paid back within the 1st month or so of use.
I know it's a scary thought, but you can do it with some common sense and good advice.
Wayne.....
I do understand the basic theory about retro-fitting. It's the details that I am unsure (nervous) about.
To sart with some basic questions:
What is the difference between a DC drive and an AC drive (and motor?) What are the benefits/detractors of each? Can I use my existing stuff (motors, servos, etc.) to keep the cost down? What should I be looking at as far as geckos, break out boards, etc? Obviously, you have Hardinge experience. Would you know exactly what I have on my machine or are there things I need to be looking for (like tags on motors, encoder specifics and such)?
As for the extra room garnered in removing all that GE 1050 controller "stuff", I'm thinking about installing a shop bathroom in the empty enclosure.
Mark