Hi,

I'm looking at a 1992 Shoptask 1720XMTC (the white model that was sold before the "Gold" model).

1. It appears to be CNC'd on the X and Y lathe axes but not on the Z axis mill head. Is that normal for these or is the Z motor perhaps hidden under the cover?

2. If not, can these mill/drill head be CNC'd using existing conversion motor/gearing kits (I''ve no experience or knowledge in electronics)?

3. Are they likely to talk modern, standardized G-code? I'd need to use Mach3 as opposed to a DOS based setup.

4. In that regard, are the original steppers compatible with something like the current Xylotex controller/power supply kits?

5. The machine looks to be in pretty good shape in terms of the ways etc. and has the important accessories included (including a 2-axis DRO, 4-jaw, machine vise, jacobs chuck(s) manual rotary table).

6. What would be a max. reasonable price I should pay assuming there is no PC included?

Thanks much,
Gerry

Actually, I'm beginning to think that this may not be a CNC machine as the seller (who inherited it) is assuming. Instead, it may have an add-on VFD? kit which would explain why there is a Mitutoyo 2-axis DRO on it as well. Is it likely that AC variable speed motors would be added to the lead screw and cross slide screw and controlled by a VFD or even that the lathe and mill's 3/4 hp AC motors might be controlled this way as well, bearing in mind that the setup could be quite old (as far back as 92). wish I knew how to post some pics on this forum.
Thanks much,
- :confused: Gerry

A couple of pics would clear things up and give us more to go on ;)

1. It appears to be CNC'd on the X and Y lathe axes but not on the Z axis mill head. Is that normal for these or is the Z motor perhaps hidden under the cover?

Suppose it's possible...pics?

2. If not, can these mill/drill head be CNC'd using existing conversion motor/gearing kits (I''ve no experience or knowledge in electronics)?

Yes, you should just be able to add on a motor and screw...not taking into account things like mounting location, brackets and if the electronics are there to support it.

3. Are they likely to talk modern, standardized G-code? I'd need to use Mach3 as opposed to a DOS based setup.

The motors are pretty dumb, so the just listen, as opposed to talking. Mach 3 and the appropriate driver (like a gecko or something) should be fine.

4. In that regard, are the original steppers compatible with something like the current Xylotex controller/power supply kits?

Getting a bit out of my depth here but...they should be, as long as the operating and control voltages are compatible.

5. The machine looks to be in pretty good shape in terms of the ways etc. and has the important accessories included (including a 2-axis DRO, 4-jaw, machine vise, jacobs chuck(s) manual rotary table).

6. What would be a max. reasonable price I should pay assuming there is no PC included?

Hehe, what are you willing to pay? You have seen it in person? Might depend on the accessories as well. Is it a 6" Kurt vise or a 4" import? How big is the rotary and what brand? They could be worth almost as much as the machine. I always say take the new retail price, cut it in half, and then see if you still want it and how bad.

When looking for a used unit, I saw a couple of the white ones on E-bay, but the bidding went out of control. 1 unit sold for 1900.00- JT told me it sold new for 1295.00!! That's good news for owners, but tough on guys looking for a used bargain. I finally found one and am really pleased with the machine and the price I paid. Note, on the old white models the Z axis CNC drive is behind the sheet metal cover and the drive motor mounts to the rear of the head, so you may not have seen it. JT can supply the proper belts and hardware for these older models.

There was another one on E-bay a while back with a" Buy it Now" price of 1500.00 and it disappeared pretty fast.

There was a quadra lift unit on E-bay a while back as well- didn't last too long