Big Old Router...

[ajl6549]

I've got a possible oppertunity to aquire an older CNC router, possibly for the cost of moving it. My question is what type of things would make this machine worth retrofitting with new electronics etc. It's 48" * 96" and it has a vacuum table. The controls on the machine are shot. It hasn't ran in 2 or three years. When it did run, it sounds to me like it was used "manualy" do to the controls being shot etc. I don't even know what kind it is. I'm supposed to find out more in the next day or so but...

[granto]

I was quoted approximately $45k-55k Cdn dollars to rebuild a used router with a Centroid controller. This would include all new servos and labour.

[nwrepair1]

You will spend 20-30,000 after that on mechanical problems related to motors, ballscrews, etc. New midrange routers are only costing 45-70,000. Don' do this.

[Switcher]

I've got a possible oppertunity to aquire an older CNC router, possibly for the cost of moving it.

Are the parts (frame, ballscrews, rails, etc,) equal to or less than the cost to move the machine?

If so, you could always add the Mach3 control.




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[nwrepair1]

OK. Can you do the install of Mach 1 by yourself? Is this machine not really industrial large. Example: Larger than 4x4 and no tool changer. Is it younger than 1997. If so , you might be able to stay in your budget. If you are going to do this in you spare time, it could take a year. If you think you could sell it for a few bucks more ..NO. Let me give you an example of what might happen. Bought a 1998 three spindle 5x5 router last year on auction for $17,000. Original cost in 1997 was $67,000. Today would be $98,000. Machine was in storage for 18 months. Received machine May 2005. Connected machine to separate 100 amp 208 panel. Machine had a CENTROID CONTROL ON IT . Control didn't work. Sent the control to Centroid, spent $600 to fix circuitboard. Restarted machine, no smooth motion and lots of noises. Called local Centroid rep and told that control was obsolete and needed to be retrofitted. About $20,000. Chose not to do it. Found Nee Controls, a control used by lower end Onsrud Routers. Installed as much of control as I could for $8,500. Needed tech to come out to solve programming of highly accurate control to a old school developed machine. Also had to rip out and replace all unshielded wiring (459 feet)-$1,000. Cost for tech $6,000. Now the machine works-right? Well, sort of. Next problem is 18 months of storage, poor maintenence of machine and use of cheap parts or methods to repair machine when it was working. Example: Auto grease in spindles, linear ways and ballscrews. Also, ballscrew crashes during its productive life means ballscrew and nut replacement. Net result-$45,000 in repairs...Not worth it However, if this is a machine that can be fork lifted into a pickup, stored in a garage, you can do the control, you have time to find parts on E-BAY, its a starter, hobby type router ..try it!

[ajl6549]

Well, what I was thinking was basicly striping it down to the frame and retrofitting it with some "hobieist type" control??? I just got back from a trip to Dallas Tx., so I havn't talked with my partner. He did tell me the machine is a Thermwood, as for the model year...no clue, yet. It does have a router head and two drill heads. Also the machine won't fit in a pick-up truck, it has at least 48" on Y and 96" on X, as for Z, I'm not sure. I'll say this much, it will be a big project, to say the least. Budget is around 30k. We'll see. Yes I do believe we can do it ourselves at least 95% percent anyway.

P.S. no tool changer.

[ajl6549]

Well finally heres some pic's

[vid1900]

That mech looks great, esp for the price!

How will you move it?

[nwrepair1]

It's not worth the cost of moving it. Go to http://www.exfactory.com/ and get an idea on the cost of routers that actually work.

[vid1900]

It's funny, the mech that holds its value best at that link (by far) is the ShopBot!

[nwrepair1]

The real point is that they are working machines. Look at the Thermwoods that are listed in under $40,000 cnc router category. Same section you saw shopbot. Then look at pictures of this mess he will get himsef into when he could buy a working Thermwood for half his fix-it budget. Makes no sense at all to play with someone else's problem.

[ajl6549]

Originally Posted by nwrepair1 It's not worth the cost of moving it. Go to http://www.exfactory.com/ and get an idea on the cost of routers that actually work.

Actually, I agree. I just need to convince my partners of same.