Replies to #7 - #3, #13, & #16
Posted by
Roland Friestad
on 1999-05-12 05:16:36 UTC
Reply to:
Message: 3
Date: 11 May 1999 13:51:32 -0000
From: pyroware@...
I would suggest you look at INDEXER LPT from Ability Systems - Art Volta is
the owner/programmer and he has a web page
http://www.abilitysystems.com
Tell him I said Hi - I don't think he'll throw you out if you mention my name -
The newest release of the software (Version 4) runs under windows, can
coordinate up to 6 motors, has accel/decel, has limit switch capabilities
and can be interfaced using nearly any programming language - It's not a CNC
system but would be well suited to the type of specialty application you
describe - I believe the software sells for $250
Roland Friestad
Reply to:
Message: 13
Date: Tue, 11 May 1999 16:49:44 -0700
From: Bill Martin <wwm@...>
Subject: Re: Comments & Questions fo the List
What kind of costs are we looking at for one of these older EDM
machines, perhaps with a dead controller? I have wanted to do some parts
from time to time that EDM would be good at, but could never justify the expense
of having a "real" shop do them.
---------------------
I've seen them as low as FREE but this is extremely rare - Typical costs for
a 6x6 early model Wire EDM with dead electronics is in the $2000 to $5000
range which is about the going price for a similarly disposed Bridgeport CNC
mill - The problem is being in the right place at the right time - There are
several used EDM and machine tool guys who try to soak up all of this stuff
so they can either rebuild it or salvage the parts to keep other old
machines running - A lot of these guys have folks who are on the phone all
day calling shops to buy old machinery - I get a lot of these calls at my
shop - If you're lucky enough to be in a metropolitan area (I'm not) you
could get acquainted with the local machine shops and maybe find a good deal
- If you're good with computers you might even work out a trade because a
lot of shops need help in this area -
Roland Friestad
Reply to:
Message: 16
Date: Tue, 11 May 1999 20:12:45 -0700
From: Don Hughes <pencad@...>
Subject: Re: Comments & Questions fo the List
This is the project that I will be constructing for myself Roland, so if
at all possible I will have many questions for you as to the laser head
setup and the setting of the mirrors. Any insight as to the best way to
mount the laser? Stationary or on the gantry???. From the research I
have done so far, the linear movement of the gantry/optics is the least
of my worries. It appears that the laser setup and cutting control of
the laser is going to be the challenge. Any help is greatly appreciated
in advance from all our members during my project.
----------------------
As I think I mentioned in an earlier Digest, I'm principally a mechanical
designer and know enough of the other stuff to be dangerous to myself - I
don't claim to have any special knowledge about mounting laser optics
because the laser was a package system and I designed the machine - However
there are some good low-cost sealed CO2 lasers out there at reasonable
prices and they are small enough to be mounted on the moving elements of the
machine, particularly for the smaller wattages that you mentioned -
------------------
Question - what are you trying to cut?
Roland Friestad
Message: 3
Date: 11 May 1999 13:51:32 -0000
From: pyroware@...
I would suggest you look at INDEXER LPT from Ability Systems - Art Volta is
the owner/programmer and he has a web page
http://www.abilitysystems.com
Tell him I said Hi - I don't think he'll throw you out if you mention my name -
The newest release of the software (Version 4) runs under windows, can
coordinate up to 6 motors, has accel/decel, has limit switch capabilities
and can be interfaced using nearly any programming language - It's not a CNC
system but would be well suited to the type of specialty application you
describe - I believe the software sells for $250
Roland Friestad
Reply to:
Message: 13
Date: Tue, 11 May 1999 16:49:44 -0700
From: Bill Martin <wwm@...>
Subject: Re: Comments & Questions fo the List
What kind of costs are we looking at for one of these older EDM
machines, perhaps with a dead controller? I have wanted to do some parts
from time to time that EDM would be good at, but could never justify the expense
of having a "real" shop do them.
---------------------
I've seen them as low as FREE but this is extremely rare - Typical costs for
a 6x6 early model Wire EDM with dead electronics is in the $2000 to $5000
range which is about the going price for a similarly disposed Bridgeport CNC
mill - The problem is being in the right place at the right time - There are
several used EDM and machine tool guys who try to soak up all of this stuff
so they can either rebuild it or salvage the parts to keep other old
machines running - A lot of these guys have folks who are on the phone all
day calling shops to buy old machinery - I get a lot of these calls at my
shop - If you're lucky enough to be in a metropolitan area (I'm not) you
could get acquainted with the local machine shops and maybe find a good deal
- If you're good with computers you might even work out a trade because a
lot of shops need help in this area -
Roland Friestad
Reply to:
Message: 16
Date: Tue, 11 May 1999 20:12:45 -0700
From: Don Hughes <pencad@...>
Subject: Re: Comments & Questions fo the List
> 5) Re: Laser cutter - Several years ago I designed a laser welding machine-------------------
> as a consulting job - The company used a YAG laser - I'm not a laser expert
> but have spent qute a bit of time around industrial CO2 lasers also - If
> possible I would suggest going with CO2 because it is a LOT safer and easier
> to provide protection against damage to the operators -
This is the project that I will be constructing for myself Roland, so if
at all possible I will have many questions for you as to the laser head
setup and the setting of the mirrors. Any insight as to the best way to
mount the laser? Stationary or on the gantry???. From the research I
have done so far, the linear movement of the gantry/optics is the least
of my worries. It appears that the laser setup and cutting control of
the laser is going to be the challenge. Any help is greatly appreciated
in advance from all our members during my project.
----------------------
As I think I mentioned in an earlier Digest, I'm principally a mechanical
designer and know enough of the other stuff to be dangerous to myself - I
don't claim to have any special knowledge about mounting laser optics
because the laser was a package system and I designed the machine - However
there are some good low-cost sealed CO2 lasers out there at reasonable
prices and they are small enough to be mounted on the moving elements of the
machine, particularly for the smaller wattages that you mentioned -
------------------
Question - what are you trying to cut?
Roland Friestad