Moog Hydrapoint

Hi,

I have acquired a Moog Hydrapoint (full hydraulic Bridgeport with
tape reader) NC mill and am pondering the possibilities for CNC
control.

I know some people have ditched the hydraulics and gone with ball
screws and servos. That seems like the most straightforward approach
(to my mind, anyway). But, I was thinking that if the machine can
already read tapes that setting up a computer to send signals
emulating the tape could be done. Any thoughts?

My reasoning for this is that the machine already knows how to move
x, y, and z through the hydraulics, so why not use that
functionality? (And save some cash!)

I don't have much experience with this particular machine or
hydraulics in general, so am I missing something?

Would greatly appreciate hearing from Moog owners who have converted
their machines (hydraulic or ball screw or other?) and what sort of
problems they faced or anyone who has an idea of what's possible here.

Thanks in advance

Gary