Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Learning CNC

John,

There's one huge problem with tapes. Some controls only allow ONE
program per tape. This was the case with the CNC mill I bought, but I
left the control behind as I was converting to Ahha and the seller
didn't mind having a spare control for his other mill. Even if you can
store multiple programs, you cannot delete one no longer needed.
I used to run a Bosch controlled mill that used the mini-cassettes.
Not only could you not delete a file, but if you read a program back
into the control with drill cycles, they would not work. On screen, all
the data was there, but you had to overwrite each and every drill cycle
before running the program. Company was too cheap to buy me a PC to play
with, so I brought in my own computer (Epson QX-10, CP/M!) and got the
control to D/L programs, but I never managed to get it to accept an
upload.

The real value of the older iron is the iron itself. Consider it a bonus
if you can actually use the machine for a while before the control dies
or you can swing an upgrade to PC control.
There's a clean looking Shizouka on eBay right now, if I had the money
I'd probably buy it and suffer with the Bandit control until I had
pieced together a replacement.

Just keep in mind my advice about appearance. Lots of older iron has
been trashed, but some never got used much just because they were
problems. Bag one of those cheap, spend the time fitting a new control,
and you will be very happy.

Jon