Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Home shop power for a big machine - Thanks for the input

One of the advantages of alot of the new machines is that they have a
spindle encoder, which could easily be used for feedback to a servo
drive or VFD. They are used for rigid tapping and spindle alignment
(for the auto-toolchanger) but I have no idea whether they are being
used internally for the spindle drive electronics.

On Fri, Jan 2, 2009 at 8:40 PM, Jon Elson <elson@...> wrote:
> vrsculptor wrote:
>> I think this thread pretty well investigated what It would take to run
>> a larger VMC in a home shop environment. There are other issues, such
>> as the air requirements for a Fadal like machine, that we didn't
>> address but still need to be considered. For me, right now, the
>> negatives out weigh the positives.
>>
> What I would avoid like the plague are machines with a lot of
> hydraulics, like the Mazak they converted to EMC at Roland Freistad's shop.
> It is a reliable machine, but if something in the hydraulics broke, it
> could get quite expensive to fix it. The machines with the simplest
> tool changers would be much more desirable. Anything with a "spindle
> drive" would be a plus, as opposed to something with just a massive
> 3-phase motor and a contactor. The Mazak mentioned above uses a huge DC
> brush motor, probably would make a good traction motor for an electric car!
>
> The Tree is well thought of, and I think they are of the simple=better
> sort. I know several people have done successful retrofits of them.
>
> Jon
>