Newbie- Investigating Purchase of Used Fadal

[trelos_zoi]

Hello. I've been lurking around the forum for several months doing some research here and there and collecting various opinions on various machines but now I'm getting closer to doing some purchasing..

With that said can some of you fadal owners/users provide some pros and cons of buying up to a 10 yr old fadal machine? Looking at 4020 or bigger machine. Seems to be plenty out there.

My general concerns are:
- Ability to hold tighter tolerances - planning on doing some one off fixture design/construction
- Ability to do complex contouring with good surface finish.

I've seen tool and die shops continue to use some of these older machines so they evidently can do some decent work behind some cam system, or do they reserve these machines for the simpler work?

I'm sure someone would say go buy a mori or makino, couldn't disagree but I have to start somewhere and bankruptcy isn't the first planned stop.

Appreciate any insight and/or what are the biggest problems on these guys to look for up front.

Thanks,
Ted

[cigarfox]

Hello Ted,

I would highly recommend that you find a service tech to check out and inspect the machine before purchasing. The last thing that you want to do is purchase a machine that needs major repairs like the replacement of ballscrews or bearing mounts unless you are prepared to do so. I am not saying this because I expect that parts will be needed, but is always a good idea.

As far as how long the machine hold it's tolerances depends on a number of things. A lot has to do with how you use the machine. If a machine is not pushed too hard, it can keep it;s tolerances for a very long time. Having a tune up done once a year is a very good idea and having a preventive maintenance done is even better. During a PM, the service tech will inspect the entire machine, do all the maintenance make all adjustment to the machine and make recommendations. If you have just a tune up done, the tech will simply make all the proper adjustments to the machine to keep the machine within tolerance. Machine level, gib adjustment, XYZ squareness, backlash, amp adjustment, spindle tram check or adjustment and clock card speed. Chances are that one or more of these things will need to be adjusted every year unless you your tolerances are not that tight. Box way machines are heavier duty, but Fadals with linear ways tend to hold tight tolerances for a lot longer because there are no gibs to be adjusted. Gibs are real easy to adjust though. One thing I like about a machine that is only ten years old is that it's probably an AC machine which means it runs higher RPM's and the motors tend to last way longer

There are machines that are heavier duty and maintain tolerances longer, but you get a lot of bang for your buck with a Fadal. Parts are way cheaper and service is a lot faster. Chances are that you can get next day service depending on where you are located. Annual maintenance

Damon