Re: Bridgeport CNC retrofit recommendations wanted.

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "heliarc_bob"
<heliarc_bob@y...> wrote:

> Hi!
> Bob Lorenz here. I have a Bridgeport Series 1 that I'm

interested

> in converting to 3 axis CNC. My budget is 15K, though I'm happy

to

> spend less. Any suggestions? I'm looking for a pretty complete
> package, including ball screws.
>
> I've looked at the Anilam CNC retrofits. I have used the Anilam
> crusaders. They worked ok, but were pretty flaky - lots of board
> problems, mainly with the connectors. Easy to use. The new 5300
> systems look pretty nice, any thoughts?
>
> Mitutoyo came out with the Millstar - I have seen them advertised,
> but have not used them. Any experiences?
>
> Any recommendations?

Bob,

With a budget of 15K, IMO, you'd be far ahead by purchasing a used
commercial machine. In that price range there's plenty available
given the current state of the used machine tool market.

The dedicated commercial controls of even 15 years ago generally
will be far ahead in functionality of the hobby-oriented (EMC,etc)
PC controls.

>
> What SW does everyone use for 2 1/2 and 3D CAM?
>
> Thanks for the help.
>
> Bob