Servo CNC mill?

[Pretorien]

I'm watching an Ebay item: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...2369&rd=1&rd=1

but can't find any real information on the device. Apparently, the company still exists. It appears that they currently offer precision drill presses with the same or a similar head but no longer do the mill.

Has anyone seen one of these/used one? One of my concerns is that if anything is badly worn or broken, parts may be a problem.

Thanks

EM

[philbur]

Unless I missed something it looks like it is only X and Y under CNC control. The ballscrew also looks like it has some serious wear. A bit short on detail as well.

Just my skeptical nature coming out I guess.

Regards
Pil

Originally Posted by Pretorien I'm watching an Ebay item: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...2369&rd=1&rd=1 but can't find any real information on the device. Apparently, the company still exists. It appears that they currently offer precision drill presses with the same or a similar head but no longer do the mill. Has anyone seen one of these/used one? One of my concerns is that if anything is badly worn or broken, parts may be a problem. Thanks EM

[bbox]

I have a Servo cnc mill that I've retro-fitted with Geckos and new servo motors from Camtronics and Mach3. Originally, despite being named "Servo" it was closed loop, but with steppers with resolvers, etc. My impression (my firm owned three) is that they were all that way. Perhaps you should inquire if the electronics are as delivered. Typical new price for a ballscrew/big table version was north of $20,000 twenty years ago!

The ebay machine is really three axis and has the small table and ballscrews - that was an option. The headstock is not very rigid and is in stark contrast with the rest of the mill which is built like the proverbial brick ****house! I replaced the headstock with a high-speed Sherline unit with the ER collet spindle.

My machine, as modified, makes all other minimills look wimpy. This thing is all cast steel or iron with precision ground ways. It even has a manual oiling system. Holding less than +/- .001" is easy.

Hope this helps

Bill Box

[Pretorien]

Thanks for the replies. A little more searching turned up a "continuation" of the company - as "Servo Source" - spoke with the owner (apparently the original designer) - some parts are still available.

The original electronics are very much out-of-date - Z-80 based! The unit on Ebay is the mill and servos (Pittman) only - would need a driver assembly and software.

I'm waffling a bit because the unit looks as if it is well used and spindle and/or ball screw&nut repair would be expensive.

decisions, decisions

EM

[Pretorien]

FWIW, I decided to pass. Looked like an interesting opportunity and, for the price it finally went for, someone may have found themselves a very nice system that, with a little work, will do an excellent job but, at the end of the day, I'm really interested in getting to the output, not acquiring yet another hobby so it's going to be the turn-key route for me.

EM