I started with LinuxCNC on a Joe's 2006 wood framed router and really appreciated the flexibility the open system provided. From there I converted a 10x22 lathe to CNC and then acquired a Novakon NM145. Both of those machines were running LinuxCNC and still are running now. The Novakon was okay but I found I had to really baby it when it came to speeds and feeds. It just didn't have the power or rigidity I would prefer.
With that in mind, I started watching Kijiji for conversion candidates. My criteria were that the machine had to have a tool changer and had to fit in my garage. This ruled out the bridgeport conversions and anything larger than a 40" class machine. After a few months of watching, a Hitachi-Seike VK45 popped up for sale. Not much on this machine is on line, but I found it had a 30x18x18" work area and a 10hp 6000rpm spindle. It also had a 20 position tool changer. Looking at the dimensions I could find, it also looked like it would fit in the space I had available. The ad also mentioned that there were problems with the control. So a good candidate for a retrofit.
So I hopped in my car and headed out to see the machine. Luckily the machine was powered when I got there and I was able to test things out. The Y and Z axis worked fine. The X axis would run away when the amplifier was enabled. The spindle drive would not start and just showed errors. The tool changer didn't work but it was all there. The tool changer issues seemed to be due to control of the hydraulic solenoids being dead. From what I could see, mechanically the machine was in great shape but the controls were mostly dead. The only real concern I had was not being able to run the spindle. It was smooth when turned by hand so not completely shot. I figured worst case I would need to rebuild the spindle.
After some negotiation we agreed on a price slightly above scrap value. The guy selling it didn't want it to go to scrappers and was happy I was going to rebuild it. A rigging company was hired to move this beast as it weighed in at 12000lbs. I removed the Z axis balance cylinder, encoder, and a bunch of sheet metal in order to fit it out of the sellers shop and into mine. There was about 2" of height to spare when moving it in. Glad I hired professionals! They actually put down 1" thick 8'x30' steel plates on my driveway to keep the forklift from sinking in.
And placed in my shop ready to start the conversion:
This was all about a year ago so I am close to being done with the conversion:
I don't know why this ends up rotated by 90deg. I don't seem to be able to fix it though so just turn your head
I will add more post with details of the conversion as I get time
