Fadal Emc

[SLOWJOE]

This Is My First Post And I Was Wondering Does Anyone Have Experiense With The Fadal Emc Vmc? I Was Wondering The Pros And Cons Of This Machine. I Was Also Looking At The Haas Mini Mill Also But The Fadal For About The Same Money Has 4 More Inches Of Travel In The X,y, And Z Travels Plus A 16 Atc Instead Of 10, More Spindle Speed 7500 Versus 6000, Plus High Rapid And Cut Feeds. So Am I Missing Something Or Is This A No Brainer Compared To The Haas Mini Mill. Also What Control Comes Std On The Emc Mill I See The 104d Control Is An Option But Have Read On This Site That The 104d Is A Problem Filled Control. Any Help Or Insite Would Be Appreicated.

[DareBee]

It seems to me that Haas has the unique ability to advertise their machines as being much more reasonable than Fadal. But then if you want a spindle motor or a table or a control these are all "optional". By the time you get the things you need the machine is more money than Fadal.
I know that Fadal has had a hard time of it recently with all the issues and bad publicity on there new controls but I feel there machines are one hell of a bang for the buck, easy to work on and just a good solid piece of equipment.

[nervis1]

It looks like a VMC-15 in smaller sheet metal, and a lower HP spindle. I bet it's the same casting...who knows...looks like a cool little machine.

The control is optional, you can have a siemens or fanuc, or their 104-d. Their site explains all the options pretty well. I think the control options are at no additional cost.

I have a VMC-15 and am very happy with it, got it used though. If I had to do it over I'd prob save more money and get a VF-2 though, I seem to run out of X quite a bit. Make sure 20" is all you'll ever need cause it will seem small when you go to use it.

[DareBee]

Following the line of thoughts from Nervis, I feel it is also important to know your work and get the smallest machine that will do the job (I dont mean cheapest, I am talking about work envelope). A smaller machine will have less mass to move (wont wear out as fast) and will often give you higher rapids and quicker tool change. For a prototyping or 1-off shop this is not important but for semi or full production this is very important.

[SLOWJOE]

Thanks For The Input Guys. But I Was Really Hoping That Someone Out There Had First Hand Experience With The Fadal Emc. I Figure It Is Not Going To Be The Work Horse The Little Bully Would Be But Being Single Phase And On Being The Cheaper Side If You Can Call 40 Grand Cheaper, It Would Be A Nice Small Machine For A Small Single Man Machine Shop To Do Small Production Runs,some Small Mold Work And Prototype Work. I Have Looked At Some Used Machines That Come With Used Machine Problems For Not Much Less Money Then I Could Spend On A New Emc. I Know Everyone Has There Own Thoughts On New Verses Used. So If Anyone Has Anymore Input On The Fadal Emc I Would Appreciate The Information.
Thanks

[cncbimbo]

anytime you need help writting CNC programs or running a Fadal just email me . I have 18 years with Fadal machines . Also the New EMC can be equipped with the new 104D control that has Gibbs software loaded on it for free . This sure makes life easier .
the EMC JOG is the unique item on this machine . it is closer to a conventional mill . But if you want to run it like a CNC it works like a regular Fadal .
besides it kicks ass . I have one in my barn. nothing special to hook up and I still can create a 3D surface.

[carbidecraters]

Isnt the EMC a linear bearing machine? My experience with those is that you can barely push a 3/4 emill and most of the new spade insertable drills take more power to run in their optimum range than that little machine can put out. Go for the boxed ways and at least 10hp

I feel it is also important to know your work and get the smallest machine that will do the job

Darebee, dont take offense to this but I completely disagree... When you buy the minimum to do a job your left with those parameters. If you step up to a 3016 or a 4020 at least you have more capability. I have made this mistake in the past....it seems like good advice but buying the minimum is not something that applies to all situations

[DareBee]

Carbide
I agree with what you say and I usually purchase "upsize" as well.
My statement was geared towards production; If I took on a 10,000 part/month job I would get a small quick machine dedicated to that part. The job would pay for the machine and when the job is done, if the machine is not needed - jockey it.