? about retrofitting old Bridgeport EZ-trak

[OK-Dave]

I'm a newbie to this, so please be gentle

I'm installing a 1989 Bridgeport EZ-trak and considering installing a CamSoft (or other) control retrofit. This seems to be a good way to avoid issues with old hardware and computers, and get a modern desktop CAM system to build and load my designs.

There are probably cheaper ways to do this, but are there any better ways? I've read through threads about setting up an old computer with DOS 3.1 and then getting the Bridgeport software to operate a CAM station, etc. This looked good on the surface, but it seems I'm adding a lot of reliability issues with more old stuff. Am I off track, here?

Has anyone had experience with CamSoft? They appear to be quite good to work with, but I'm nervous about shelling out that much more on this machine - about $3400 for controls and CAM.

[seniormachinist]

The point of using DOS and Windows 3.11 is to allow the Bridgeport system to communicate with computers running other operating systems. This means any CAD/CAM system can be used to develop g-code files to send to the machine. I have used exactly this system to feed large files to a VMC that had very limited program size restrictions, using DNC or "Drip Feed". If your machine hardware is in good shape, You may not need to change it at all.

SM

[JimPAC]

If anyone is interested, I have a complete 3 axis drive assy for knee mills that I bought for a BP series II boss 6.

It will bolt in your existing cabinet. It has every thing you need to drive steppers or servos and is compliment with mach3 and any other pc based systems. I have used this before with old BP iron and they are still running smooth.

If anyone wants it for 750.00 plus shipping let me know and I'll post pics and specks.

[OK-Dave]

Originally Posted by JimPAC If anyone is interested, I have a complete 3 axis drive assy for knee mills that I bought for a BP series II boss 6. It will bolt in your existing cabinet. It has every thing you need to drive steppers or servos and is compliment with mach3 and any other pc based systems. I have used this before with old BP iron and they are still running smooth. If anyone wants it for 750.00 plus shipping let me know and I'll post pics and specks.

Please send pix & specs to DavidMSigler@aol.com- thanks!

[JimPAC]

Dave,

Give me a couple of hours!

CNCZONE will not let me upload!

Sent to your email