Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Monarch conversion to VFD

Hi David:
Thank you for your good insights into this.
In fact, when I was initially choosing a successor to the Taiwanese 12 x 36
machine I have now, I seriously considered a Hardinge HLV-H.
I know it's a dead nuts machine that is superbly well made; my only two
reasons for rejecting it as a first choice are that it has a tiny spindle
nose, and that it is not really suited to taking heavy cuts, especially
interrupted cuts.
The Monarch is built a bit beefier even though the spindle nose is deficient
on it as well. (D1-3)
Given the space limitations in my shop, the Monarch seems the overall better
choice, and the price for a decent machine is comparable, as you point out.
I had thought to go with a 14 x40 gear head machine like the Nardini, but I
just can't fit it into the available space, and I need to be able to
hardturn to super finishes (one of the reasons I'm dumping the Taiwanese
machine), so a gear head machine is a poorer choice.
So the question now is not whether to get a Monarch; it is whether to get
THIS Monarch.
That's why I need to know whether it's a major hassle electrically, to
switch from DC drive to AC and VFD drive.
I know absolutely zip about electronics, and I have no idea yet, how to
interface the VFD with the old forward- reverse mechanism, whether it will
brake quickly like the old DC drive etc etc.
I am hoping that someone on this list has done similar conversions and can
give me an idea whether I'm inheriting a "project" here.
I've certainly considered doing the "bailout" as you suggest!
Cheers

Marcus

----- Original Message -----
From: "David M. Munro" <munro@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2002 11:31 AM
Subject: Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Monarch conversion to VFD


> The EE is a good lathe, but ten grand is a lot of money, even in Canada.
> At that level you are close to getting a good used Hardinge HLV-H with
> it's rock solid electro-mechanical VFD, which never even wears out a
> belt. In addition, you have access to every possible accessory in the
> secondary market. My advice? If you think there is a serious problem
> before the sale is completed (while you still have the rose-colored
> glasses on), bail out now.
>
> David M. Munro
>