Need help on bridgeport 308 or 412 VMC.

[bootsnhats]

Hi I need some help on selecting a Bridgeport VMC with 8 or more tool changer. Our shop has 35 manual machines and we want to get a VMC. We like the bridgeport because of there relibility and the aviablility of service people. My concern is the controls. Which ones are the easest to understand and most reliably? I see the SX-15 and the Heidenhain TNC 2500 came on these machines. Can any body give me some input , so I can make an inteligent decision. I dont want to make an expensive mistake. Jerry

PS Last week we bought a Bobcad Cam program to be able to try to get fermilure with the Programing.

[machintek]

The SX 15 means that it is the older control using a FMDC board. I would stay away from that. The DX32 control would be better. More up to date, parts more readily available, Siemens drives, etc.
TNC2500 control is a lot more reliable, but thinks a bit slower and has a lot less memory but is conversational or G&M code.
Neither one is a recent machine. I would prefer to see you get a TC22 or TC30 or TC1, 2, 3, or 4.

George

[bootsnhats]

Hi George: Thank you very much for your reply. The machine I was looking at has a SX-15 control , and as per your advise I will stay away from it.

I am wanting to make small gun parts , breech bolts , links , flat type firing pins ect.

Is there a bridgeport model you would recomend? 308 or 412? I have a budget of about 10,000.00 to 15,000.00. I really like the Hass Tool Room VMC , but that is out of my price range.

Do you have any sugestion or recomendations?

What should I look for in the way of problems on a used machine?

Thank you again for your help.

We do not have any CNC experience. Would you reccomend a single spindle machine in stead of the 8 or 12 spindle machines?
My thought is we could use the multile spindle machines , using it as a single spindel machine untill we get to know how to set and learn the g codes and get more fermulier with the set ups.

Is this a good plan or should I concider some thing like a Bridgeport series 11 or a EZ TRACK OR R2E4 or ?????

Like I said we have a limited budget , want to make gun parts will need 3 axis and have just boyght the Bobcad-cam program.






Jerry

[gus]

That is a tough budget for a reliable vmc

I like the heidenhains, and they can be found for that money, but still you may have to put some cash into it, and may wish you took a lease out for a newer machine

[machintek]

Price the repair of a spindle before thinking of a cheap used multi spindle machine.
Your choices are very limited within the parameters given. A EZTRAK can be manual or CNC, 2 or 3 axis. Conversational (very easy and powerful) but will accept G & M code programs. But does not have a tool changer.
A DX32 control can accept EZSPS which is the EZTRAK conversational software. But it is not perfect. It fails to do tool changes nor does it give spindle commands.
I believe you will have difficulty finding what you want at that price and have a like new machine with no problems.

George

[bootsnhats]

George and Gus:

I would like to thank both of you for taking the time to answer my questions. You guys have been very helpful. Sounds like my only option is to incress my budget , and that means a delay in getting a machine.

Jerry

[machintek]

Probably a wise choice because even more money may be spent in repairs. This also allows you time to do research. Visit other shops and see t they have. Ask their advice.

George

[fredhh47]

It sounds like what you may want to look at for your needs is the Tormach "tabletop" CNC (it isn't really, it sits on its own base). I saw one in use not long ago and was impressed with it. It has an envelope similar to a B'port CNC, but only 1.5 hp. It comes with a high speed spindle option, mist coolant, maybe flood, (not on the unit I saw). At about $7000, brand new, it seems like a good option for someone on a limited budget. I believe you also have to provide the computer to run it, a laptop that is capable of running Windows 98 should be sufficient. (Find them on Ebay for dirt cheap.) The machine I saw had a slight amount of sympathetic vibration when it was milling, that made the cabinet rattle, which suggests the cabinet may need some reinforcement. The owner had also fabricated an outboard pedestal support for the laptop.

[bootsnhats]

Thanks for the info. I will check it out. Jerry

[MrHorsepower]

I have a nice used Discovery 308 for sale. Let me know and I'll give you details.

[bootsnhats]

Hi Mr Horsepower: Does this machine have 3 axes , what type of controller does it have and where are you located? What is your asking price? Condition of machine , does all functions work properly. Can you send some pictures and is there any more info that you can add? Jerry