Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] RE: Moog Hydrapoint

"Rose, Gary" wrote:

> Ray,
>
> Thanks for the info! You obviously know this machine quite well.
>
> So far, everyone I've talked to and most of the messages on this thread have
> indicated that the air and hyraulics are more trouble than they are worth.
> I figured as much, but I wanted some more informed opinions. As I was
> looking through the service manual (which gives exceptionally detailed
> exploded views and descriptions of how everything works), I couldn't help
> but think that this machine was a true mechanical wonder. But, the engineer
> in me was also saying "There's too many ways this thing can screw up". I'm
> thinking ballscrews are the way I'm going.

Yes, it sounds like it was invented by Rube Goldberg!

> Do you know if the standard bridgeport-type retrofit ballscrews will fit
> this machine or do I need to make it special? Any other
> ballscrew-retrofit-related caveats I should be careful of with the Moog?

If it has the standard flange locations for the Acme screw handles that a manual
Bridgeport has, then the retrofits should fit. You should check, however,
as you don't have those flanges. They might not be hard to get, or may come
with the retrofit kit. You are most likely missing the standard yoke in the
center of the saddle, too. Some retrofit kits replace this part, as their
ballnuts don't fit in the original yoke. Others need the yoke, and their
ballnuts have cylinders attached which fit into the holes in the yoke
where the original bronze acme nuts go.

> As an aside, the specs for the machine indicate that the air flow from the
> compressor required to run the machine are 11 cfm @ 85psi. My current
> compressor has no hope there, and I was looking at what one that could meet
> that airflow costs, OUCH!

Wow, 4 HP just for the pneumatics! but, that would be small potatoes
compared to the power consumed by the hydraulic pump - or the noise!

Jon