Some Retrofit questions

[hsmcnc]

I am currently looking at an Eagle Knee Mill with a Anilam Crusader M control. The Machine looks mechanically sound but the control is not working. I am planing an AjaxCNC retrofit. In my home shop I have a 5hp phase converter, this mill is similar to a Bridgeport in that you turn the spindle on with a drum switch it is not controlled by the CNC controller. My question is this. Does the cnc control of the AjaxCNC need 3 phase power? Or does the control work of 110v and just the spindle need 3 phase? Any info on how some of you are powering you cnc's in a home shop would be great.

Thanks,
Eric

[DRD]

Ajax requires a 110 volt input. I have one of there retro fits for my mill,I have not got it running yet, but I have powered up and the control is just outright awesome.
Been there and done that, on all these pc, step,direction, hobby controls, which have a ton of bugs that never end.


Good luck.

[colin1544]

Hello I have a series 1 CNC Bridgeport that I have converted to run on an ajax control system which in the UK I can run straight from the domestic 240 volt 13 amp single phase supply you are correct in what you think the control does only need 110 volt on mine I run the spindle motor on a single to three phase inverter and with the additional extra for motor speed control from Ajax this gives me full programable speed because in the PLC supplied with the control it lets you use an input / output for the two speed gearbox so speed from 1 to 3500 rpm. the system works very well and is relatively easy to learn on and program in use. There are a few critsisms things I had got used to on the old Boss control are not in the new control such as the goto control which was useful when checking out tool length offsets and goto X0. Y0. & Z0. to check the setup position of the fixture zero. hope this helps Cheers Colin

[Cartesian-xyz]

Colin1544, Use the MDI mode to G0 X0 Y0 to check location.
MDI tool change and move to Z location for tool length verfication.
Same as the BOSS GOTO command
I do not have there control, but they advertize MDI control!

Stephen, Cartesian Machine Works.

[colin1544]

Thanks for that stephen works great its just that you get so used to the old mechanical switch controls that you forget about the keyboard commands. Cheers Colin

[luiguicam]

I already made a retrofit to my eagle machine with Ajax. The control works with 110 v. I can tell you, This is one of my best moves in my life. My machine now is as fast and precise as a $100.000.00 worth cnc machine.
I have available the Crusader M controls for sale..

Good Look.
Luiguicam

[DRD]

I am going to get my mill fired up in the next week, I am very sure I will be happy.Centriod has been around for years, and there stuff works....
I tried all the mickey mouse pc pased controls, more hassle than what there worth.

[hsmcnc]

Luiguicam,
Thanks for the info. How much are you asking for the Crusader control? I would like to see some pictures of your Eagle if you have time.

Thanks,
Eric

[luiguicam]

Eric,
Attached you will find some pictures of my machine. I included a picture of a wodden sign that I just finish for a costumer. With this new control, my machine is able to cut at 200 ipm precisely. I am using a Precise Jig grinder controlled on and off from the control attached to the machine spindle that reach 45.000 rpm allowing me high speed machining smoothly. I am really happy with this new toy!.
Regarding the Crusader M control I am asking $1400.00 for everything (control panel, monitor, board cage with all the boards (the orange board is damage) and the 3 servo drives)

Any question. any time!

Regards,
Luigicam

[camtd]

Hi

That is a nice sign. What software did you use to program it with? How
long did it take to create the program?

Thank You

[luiguicam]

I spent three hours in the design and programs, I use photovcarve and Artcam. To make the whole sign took about 4 hours in the machine.

Luiguicam

[hsmcnc]

Luiguicam,
Your machine and work look great. I am attaching some pics of the machine I just brought home. The machine only has 3200 hours on it. From what I was told from the previous owner, the control no longer works. The overall machine is in excellent condition and came with a good selection of toolholders. My question is this, I would like to put the existing control under power to see what happens, do you know how I can power up the control on single phase 110v rather than using three phase? I have a rotary phase converter, but for testing and playing purposes I would like to use single phase. Also, if I go with the Ajax retrofit can you give me detailed info on what you kept out of the existing control? Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Eric