Machine retrofit considerations -- servo compatibility?
20 Apr 2020 05:16 - 20 Apr 2020 07:15 #164746
by caretech
Machine retrofit considerations -- servo compatibility? was created by caretech
Hello LinuxCNC community! New user, first post here -- but I've been lurking around here for a while.
First, a bit of background: I have just a wee bit of experience with LCNC; a relative bought an old Bridgeport mill that someone had done a Mach3 job on (not working) and after struggling with it a bit and becoming frustrated with Windows and Mach, I switched the system to LinuxCNC. It was definitely a beginner's project, as I didn't have to make any driver board choices and such -- just used the existing hardware. But, seeing the axes move was rewarding just the same.
I have my eye on a couple machines that are heading for auction soon, and if the bidding closes low enough I'm considering them for retrofits. But in my limited understanding and experience, I am not sure whether retrofitting to LCNC would require new servos, encoders, etc, or if I might be able to use what's already there. Here's what I know about the two machines, and maybe someone here with more experience can tell me whether they think it's worth it for me to consider them...
1. Vertical machining center: Shibaura VMC-45, Tosnuc controls, 20 ATC
2. Slant-bed lathe: Okuma ACT-4, 12 turret ATC, Fanuc 3T control, S/N 01136
As someone who's done plenty of computer tech for hire, I realize the lack detail might be frustrating, and for that I apologize. But there seem to be some good heads in this community and maybe someone around here is familiar with these.
First, a bit of background: I have just a wee bit of experience with LCNC; a relative bought an old Bridgeport mill that someone had done a Mach3 job on (not working) and after struggling with it a bit and becoming frustrated with Windows and Mach, I switched the system to LinuxCNC. It was definitely a beginner's project, as I didn't have to make any driver board choices and such -- just used the existing hardware. But, seeing the axes move was rewarding just the same.
I have my eye on a couple machines that are heading for auction soon, and if the bidding closes low enough I'm considering them for retrofits. But in my limited understanding and experience, I am not sure whether retrofitting to LCNC would require new servos, encoders, etc, or if I might be able to use what's already there. Here's what I know about the two machines, and maybe someone here with more experience can tell me whether they think it's worth it for me to consider them...
1. Vertical machining center: Shibaura VMC-45, Tosnuc controls, 20 ATC
2. Slant-bed lathe: Okuma ACT-4, 12 turret ATC, Fanuc 3T control, S/N 01136
As someone who's done plenty of computer tech for hire, I realize the lack detail might be frustrating, and for that I apologize. But there seem to be some good heads in this community and maybe someone around here is familiar with these.
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