R2E4 Retrofit

[astr]

I picked up a Series II R2E4 that is not functional. Some of the electronics have been removed so I can't really assess the overall condition of the mill but the mechanical stuff seems to be in good shape. I would like to get it up and going with minimal investment so that I can make sure that there are no major (expensive) surprises as I proceed with a complete retrofit.

My plan is to run Mach3. At least during the initial evaluation phase, I would like to use as much of the Bridgeport components as possible such as the servos (SEM), encoders(?), and maybe the drive power supply. However, I have no documentation on what it is that I have. I was thinking about buying one Dugong drive to test each axis using the existing drive power supply and encoders. I already have converted a Series I with steppers to run with Mach3 so I'm familiar with Mach3.

Is this a good approach? Where can I get schematics for what I have? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[dougputt]

How is progress on this R2E4? Have you started yet?

[astr]

Originally Posted by dougputt How is progress on this R2E4? Have you started yet?

I've been too busy cutting metal with my retrofitted Boss5 Series I to devote any real time to the R2E4. I did check out the spindle motor and got it to run successfully on a VFD. I hope to eventually get the mill setup to run on single phase 220 volts so that I can move it home. I also picked up a QC-30 spindle for the R2E4 so that I can use my existing tooling. My attempt to drive the X-Y axes with little steppers that I had on hand failed. They just didn't have enough torque to overcome the friction so I need to pick up a servo drive to use the existing servos.

[dougputt]

Cool, so you don't have the original servo's?

I'm actually looking for a R2E4, so if you decide against the retrofit.....

I have a whack of parts for the R2E4 that's why I'm looking for one.

D

[astr]

I do have the original servos. I just don't have drives for them. Since I had some small steppers and stepper drives, I thought that I would use them to check out the mill, to make sure that the mill was in good enough condition to justify the money and effort for a full retrofit.

[dougputt]

I may have the drives for a series II, If I don't find a mill within the next few months I will probably sell them.

[astr]

Originally Posted by dougputt I may have the drives for a series II, If I don't find a mill within the next few months I will probably sell them.

Which drives do you have?

[dougputt]

I'm not sure actually. Never unpacked them.

if you send me your email I can send you a pic of them from the guy I got them from.