Ajax or Centroid users

[boringmill]

Hi,I would like to know if anybody has tried an ajax/Centroid retro on their Bridgeport mill.I have two that are canidates for retrofits and would like opinions.Thanks

[colin1544]

Hello Yes I have done a retrofit on a series 1 bridgeport CNC very straightforward as long as you have some electrical knowledge the mechanical side is dead easy but check your parts carefully and plan your procedure as although the motors are the same frame (42 Size motors) the keyways are different and you also need a 1/8" packing plate under the Z axis motor as there is a Location boss on the face of the motor which is larger than the bore of the hole of the hole on the Z Axis cast motor bracket also consider the options you will need and order it altogether the spindle speed option is very useful if you are going to use an inverter instead of the air motor driven electro - mechanical origonal system, check also what type of command inputs you are going to use be it a Keyboard or the manual keypad plus the key board these options are all very useful but add up to a fair old price and maybe other systems are cheaper with all the options being included typical extra is engraving you would think that with normal keyboard operation this would be standard but this a 665$ extra all in all though I have been pleased with my retrofit although I would like some of the extras I cant afford them as yet, The programming is relatively easy to learn so take your pick but get quotes from other suppliers then make your choice Cheers Colin.

[DRD]

I did a AJAX, 4 axis conversion, on my 9X50 Lagun mill.
If you have electrical knowledge, it's a slam dunk.
Dollar for dollar, the controls can't be touched. I use my system to digitize cylinder head ports, and then machine, stock ports to what I digitzed.
The control is laid out very nice, and work excellent, very smooth movements.
If your in a industrial enviorment, the controls are great.
If it's to hobby around, and you have alot of time to spend, there are alot of pc based controls that will do the job, but plan on spending alot of time to get them to work.
Like they say, you get what you pay for.
Good luck!

[Newby2]

I will be purchasing an Ajax system for my BPT R2E3 in the very near future. In researching this, I found out that I can use my existing SEM 28 in lb servos but will have to upgrade the encoders (included) Though to some it may be a bit pricy at $7K, I believe I can recover that amount in a short period. I have the need for a more updated control, more than a 2 line display. The price I was quoted includes a more modern MPG.
I like the idea of having a dedicated control. PC based, particularly windows, has to much garbage running in the background for a CNC machine.
Steve

[wddanie]

What kind of accuracy do you see on your Ajax/Lagun mill? Was it a cnc Lagun before the Ajax conversion?

Thanks,

Doug

[NC Cams]

Look for some posts by a member called "SIZZLEMAN" or something close to that. He had some VERY unpleasant experiences with Ajax/Centroid.

There were some other horror stories with regard to promises made and not kept. Ditto that with regard to less than exemplary service support practices.

There are always two sides to a story but I'm still waiting for a call back from them concerning a lathe retrofit inquiry - and that was placed LAST SUMMER!!!.

[boringmill]

I found a co. that is certified thru Centroid in my area that seems to be able to give a better deal on the price.Maybe Centroid dont want to deal with the one man shop types?Thanks for all the input.

[DRD]

What kind of accuracy do you see on your Ajax/Lagun mill? Was it a cnc Lagun before the Ajax conversion?

Thanks,

Doug[/QUOTE]

Doug, the controls will hold .0001 easy. My machine, will hold .0005, the machine it pretty rigid mechanically.
The accuracy de pends on how tight the mechanical parts are.

Ajax was allways there to support me.