Who's a Happy AJAX-MACH Customer?

[backyard_cnc]

Thanks to all who have replied. I have more or less decided to place an order for the AJAX retrofit kit next week. I like the fact that I can run either MACH3 or the CENTROID software and the large plug in hand-held control panel looks awesome and will greatly simplify the installation by providing a ready made control panel!

After much consideration I have come to think it represents one of the most affordable and flexible options available to the retrofit market.

Gerald

[jshank]

Anothony,
I have been contemplating the Mach3 vs the CNC11 with the Ajax system. You state that the CNC11 software is far better that the Mach 3. Would you expand on this?
Thanks

[AnthonyOhio]

J,

The CNC11 software on the ajax system Homes to the encoder position, so you know that the work coordinates are going to be exactly where they were the night before. This is priceless!
You can stop the job to check/change a tool and restart where you left off.
You can use the workpiece rotation feature to decrease set-up time. Clamp your workpiece down and touch-off 2 places on X and your toolpath with automatically be rotated!

CNC11 has an easy to use interface; very important if you are running a shop, or are new to CNC.
More time cuttting, less time training.

There is a price difference; but, you will likely save money by turning out quality work the first time.

Also, the Ajax system will run or either and they provide you with a full working demo of CNC11.

I have a video here (not the best quality)
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbwvJWS4bMs"]YouTube - Bridgeport Series II Interact 2 For Sale[/nomedia]
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbwvJWS4bMs"]YouTube - Bridgeport Series II Interact 2 For Sale[/nomedia]

If you are in the Ohio area, I will be glad to show you the control.

-Anthony
(No, I do not work for them in any way; and I do have a Mach 3 machine, also.

[jshank]

Anthony,
Thanks for the information; I thought the video was good. If I lived closer I would certainly like to look at the machine but I am 6 hours away.

I have played with a demo version of the CNC11 software and found it nice to work with. I have also watched a video tutorial from Centroid. The probe to locate an edge on the work appears to very useful. Have you any experience using a probe with the CNC11 software?

Thanks
Jeff

[AnthonyOhio]

Jeff,

I have not used the probe feature on CNC11 or Mach3. While it would be great to have, I cannot justify the psice for the few things that I do.
Perhaps one of my buyers will request the upgrade and I can install and test it!

-Anthony

[backyard_cnc]

Well as an update to anyone following this thread. I did purchase and receive the AJAX (Centroid) CNC package. I went with the large JOG PENDANT as well. I received it a few days back and so far I have only done the initial bench test of the controller but all worked out great. I have more or less planned the install on the machine in my head and gathered up all the required bits and pieces to get going. Hopefully things should move forward by next week.

I have decided to pass on the MACH3 software for this project and purchase the CNC11 software. The $500 price tag is easily justified in the ease of install and tighter integration with the hardware.

Will post more as the project progresses!

gerald

[bkraz]

backyard_cnc, how did you contact Ajax? I would like to purchase the conversion kit for my BOSS 8 mill, but they have ignored my emails and phone messages. I was guessing they went out of business since all I wanted to do was buy one of their products, but your post indicates they actually still ship parts out to customers. How did you contact them? Did you have any trouble?

[backyard_cnc]

Hi there,

I simply e-mailed them and had them send me a PAYPAL INVOICE. I paid and about 7~8 days later shipping dept sent it out? Pretty straight foward. I think you can also buy same basic ALL IN ONE package direct from CENTROID or at least from their dealer. AJAX and CENTROID are sister companies in the same building selling same basic stuff to different markets. I have opted to run the CENTROID CNC11 software which I will buy for $500 which added to the $1495 hardware price is $1995 which is same price as sold direct from CENTROID. CENTROID has a receptionist and more staff so easier to get a person on the phone but SCOTT at AJAX has also been excellent to me so far so either way works. I have not yet installed the hardware but it looks very nice and seems straight forward .

Gerald

here is the link for centroid: CENTROID CNC controls,CNC Retrofits,CNC Milling Machines,CNC Lathes,CNC Routers,5 Axis CNC Cylinder Head Porting Machines,CNC Rotary Tables,Fanuc Retrofits,Digitizing Probes,Conversational Programming

[bkraz]

Thanks for your quick reply and sharing your experiences with AJAX. I'll try calling them until I get someone on the phone. Maybe they just do not check their messages.

[Jay Kyle]

I wonder if it's just better to order through Centriod if we can't get in touch with Ajax. I to have left voice mails but no call backs

Jay

[backyard_cnc]

Hi All,

Another option is to contact: CNC Services Northwest . Marc will be very helpful and likely CENTROID will refer you to a dealer anyways depending on where you are located. While I have always managed to get a hold of Scott at AJAX when I needed to, however others have been less successful. I actually made some chips this afternoon on my AJAXCNC converted knee mill. So far so good!

Gerald

[yolklab]

now i'm a happy customer too converted a BF46. scott can be hard to reach but the users on the ajax forum are helpful.