1989 Fadal VMC 40.

[neilthib]

Thinking of purchasing a 1989 Fadal VMC 40.I have no experience with this machine.Curious if this machine is capable of 3-D machining& if so what are the Limitations? Also,thinking about placing this machine in my garag / shop. Does anyone know if the weight of this machine will cause a problem on the slab/concrcte,ie thickness of slab.Also I only have single phase power.What are my options.

[scadvice]

...but the VMC-40 is a good machine in 89 they did not have the HS (high speed) control but offered it as an upgrade a few years later. It's a solid way machine with turcite on the ways. It will cut 3D. It is slower by todays standards but if the ways and gibs are tight, it will cut nice. Small memory but you can DNC. Easy to fix. 15HP. and oil mist lubed spindle which is a good one if taken care of. Its old now but all parts are available and as I said, compared to other machine brands easy to get help on and fix. Value is from 3k to 12k depending on condition. The transformer can be changed to an #812 to run on 220 single phase (if I recall the number correctly) used around $600 new about twice that.You can also run them on phase generators though some suggest not to and have had problems doing so. Both ways you lose 30% power. A normal garage concrete should be OK but may need fixing if not poured correctly. A normal garage door is a problem, you can mark the coupling and remove the Z axis but may still need to cut a slot in the beam to get it in and repair it.. You may need to repair some things but there is lots of help here on the zone.
Steve

[neilthib]

Do you know a good place to buy a #812 transformer? Thank's for the info Steve.

[carbidecraters]

I dont think that vintage has turcite I think it was brass shims.

[scadvice]

Originally Posted by carbidecraters I dont think that vintage has turcite I think it was brass shims.

I bought my first Fadal a VMC-40 in mid 1989... and I thought it had turcite but... I could be mistaken. Is it possible that was the year they change over???
Sometimgs you can find the transformers on ebay I found one in one of used machine trade journals but I didn't need it so I sold a few years back.
I think the VMC-40 was one of the beefiest machines around for it's size.
Steve

[iess525]

Originally Posted by neilthib Do you know a good place to buy a #812 transformer? Thank's for the info Steve.

I can provide the transformer you are looking for. Give us a call at 818 678 9456.