Designing a CNC

[tequilaguru]

Hi, I'm new to this kind of CNC design, I received a Fagor 8055 as payment for a job/favor I did to someone in a company (they had no Idea on how to use it/ wrong purchase).

Anyway, I was wondering if I could make my own custom CNC, I've been always interested in doing such project but until now, I hadn't anything to start from.

I've made some research and I realized this device reads G code generated from a CNC software suite, like martercam, etc.

I want to build a five axis cnc, but apart from the controller I do not know what else to get, or where to start, Would you guys care to give me some pointers?.

Thank you.

[maquiza]

I think that you can buy an old cnc machine (Cheap) and do a retrofit with your control. You have to see if its for 3, 4 or 5 axis.
If you want more information you can call or send an email to Fagor automation, I believe that they are in Chicago.
I have the same problem as you, I have a fagor control 8025 , 4 axis, but I also have a horizontal machine that needs a new control . The thing is that the engineer that can made the retrofit here in Monterrey, Mexico wants $8,000 Dlls. for his work. Plus all the hardware. He quote 5 Fagor encoders ( $420.00 each), 1 PLC-i ($760.00). He also quote me the 8025 GP controller ($7,649.00), but I already have this.
With this prices I think that I will keep this as a project for a future that is not near.

[ISO Coder]

Congratulations to a great controller.
Not very comon, unfortunatley (atleast where im from).
Its true that it uses G-Codes (iso), but they also have a great conversational programing interface.
And b.t.w. Fagor is a Spanish company

http://www.fagorautomation.com/

[ToddSR]

Hi Tequilaguru,

Your 8055 controller is actually a very powerful CNC Control with the capability of up to 7 axes CNC Control, thats a heck of a nice payment !!

Yes, it runs G-code, which can be created via an off-line program such as Mastercam, Gibbs, etc... or you can just create your G-code programs at the CNC keyboard. It is very easy to do with the built-in Editor, including conversational type help screens where you just fill in the blank for all canned cycles. In addition, depending on how your 8055 is equipped, you may have a conversational operating system too, by simpling pressing shift then esc, it will toggle from the G-code to the conversational operating system and back and forth as you choose, just by hitting shift-esc.

If you are in Mexico, you may call the Fagor US Headquarters which is located in the Chicago area at 1-847-981-1500 and speak with Alex Escamilla at extension 436. He can help you determine what you need for your machine and he is in charge of the Mexico marketplace and I know he makes frequent trips to Mexico.

If you have any specific questions, I can answer them here.

Good Luck
Todd