Hello,

I've just purchased a 1985 Tree 325 Journeyman mill with a working DynaPath Delta 20 control (3 axis). I'm very interested in the Centroid/Ajax control (Terry has told me how pleased he's been with his Tree 425 conversion), and a big part of that is because of the possibility of digitizing existing parts.

However, I don't want to just use the digitizing as a giant copy machine. I want to be able to import the digitizing XYZ point data into Rhino3D so I can make modifications to the part before pushing it back out to the mill to make the revised part.

First, if anyone has experience with the digitizing/probing I'd like to hear their comments.

Second, I'd like to get a copy of a digitizing data file for something with a bit of 3D contour to it (not just a 2D shape extruded into another dimension) that I could try importing into Rhino3D. I've been told the data is stored in a txt file, and not something like an .stl file format.

If the Ajax folks can supply a sample file that it would be great (my email is in my profile) or if another user has a file they'd be willing to share, I'd be happy to see it.

I've got DSL so a couple of megabyte download isn't a problem.

I'll post more questions about the Ajax/Centroid control soon.

cheers,
Michael

Hi there!
I've also been looking at Ajax and digitizing option. I'm a mechanical engineer running SolidWorks + Rhino and for my toolshop (and free-time adventures :p) have bought a Abene VHF-3 milling machine retrofitted with a CNC system. Then I've a Harrison lathe that I've invested in an Ajax lathe kit to evaluate before I change on my milling machine. As a plastic component designer with often complex surface qeometry I think it would be very nice, if it works good. If you hear about some experiances out there, please share it!

My very best regards
/Thomas

The more I look around, the more I think Ajax (Poor boys Centroid) is
a great deal....all things considered. The digitizing, probing, and 4th axis
add-ons are features others either don't have, or are priced out in space.
Software is friendly enough also,plus the availability of "Wallmart PC" repair parts.

Thomas:
I have plans in the works to do a VMC and a Mazak Lathe w/ the Ajax kits.
I'm very interested to hear how your retro goes.

dan k

Of cource, I plan to link the progress in this hobby-projects out on my new website. On the lathe, which is first in line, there are som major work to do on the mechanical sida as I plan to change side of the servo drives. Also need to create more space for the ball screw over the bed and the cross slide table is very worn so I'll make a new one. Both ballscrews are not useful when I change positions of the servos, so their will be replaced also. I'll try to retrofit my "old" Harrsion to something like the new Alpha series form same company. I'm a mechanical engineer and works all day long with SolidWorks and have put my lathe there as well. I've som nice photos to remember it all later on when all is over. The milling machine are next, but machanicaly that one is better, however I don't think Ajax servo drive is enough so I'll go with the Optic-kit and a drive from AMC as it looks now.

Cheers for now! :cheers:
/T

Hello Thomas,

I've got a Centroid conversion with almost all the available options (basically everything but engraving) on order. I'll certainly be posting information on how the conversion goes on my Tree mill.

cheers,
Michael

Michael,
What model tree?
I have a 300 Journeyman I picked up for the same purpose.
Mine has Westamp DC servo drives, and a Westamp 5HP DC spindle drive.

dan k


Hello Thomas,

I've got a Centroid conversion with almost all the available options (basically everything but engraving) on order. I'll certainly be posting information on how the conversion goes on my Tree mill.

cheers,
Michael

Hi Dan,

It is a Journeyman 325. You must have missed the long thread(s) on it over at PM in the CNC forum. Just do a quick search there and it will turn up. I think mine has Baldor servo motors, but I really haven't looked at them since I placed the order so I can't say that I'm remembering correctly. I think the spindle drive is Yaskawa, but the same caveat applies. If it isn't critical that I remember something it often doesn't get remembered. :) If I need to know who manufactured the parts, I'll just look at them again.

I'm hoping that I'll not only get the control stuff in time for my week off over Thanksgiving, but that the electrician will also show up in time to ensure that I'll have some 3-phase power to feed the machinery. I need to run the Delta20 control a bit before I take it off so I can take some photos of the different screens to show to someone who is interested in buying it as a spare for his 325.

The DynaPath is said to be a decent control, but the digitizing features are a big interest to me, and it makes sense to me for the long run to upgrade the control. I've been instructed by the person I'm dealing with to rewire from the control to the servos and limit switches and anything else like that, as he says the old wiring is often the cause of those odd problems that can drive someone even battier than they already are.

That kind of advice makes sense to me.

edited to add a link (http://www.practicalmachinist.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=13;t=000696) to the referenced thread.

cheers,
Michael

Do you still have the dynapath 20 control ? I also have a Tree 325 that I am having trouble booting up. I would be intrested in buying your take off.

Thanks Doug

Hi Doug,

I've already got someone interested in it, but I'll keep you in mind if that falls through.

What you are experiencing is a big reason why I decided to spend the money to upgrade - I don't want to have to be chasing 15 year old electrical parts.

cheers,
Michael

Hello Michael M
I just found out that the processor board is bad in my dynapath 20.
Do you still have your 20 . If not can you get me in touch person that has it know?
Thanks Doug