Looking for a coolant tank for a VF-1 1996

[bob1112]

We bought a VF-1 that is missing the coolant recovery tank. Does anyone know where to find one or does someone have one laying around? We are kind of SOL milling without it. Thanks for any help you can offer.

[Donkey Hotey]

There are two in Los Angeles on eBay:

Item 190096357284: standard size
Item 190096356420: oversized tank

Of course if you're in Southern California, you might also call the Torrance HFO. I think I saw some used tanks being stored back in their service area. I don't know if they keep those for machines in for service or if they would want to sell them.

[bob1112]

Yeah, I saw the units on ebay but have dropped about 10 emails with no replies. GD, all I need is some dims to make a decision but I guess he does not want to sell them too bad. If you know of an HFO that has some sitting, let me know. We really need one pretty soon. thanks.

[bob1112]

surely someone has an idea on where to either find a Haas unit or an aftermarket unit? We are kinda dead in the water without it.

[Donkey Hotey]

Do you need the tank AND the pump (and the coolant level sender)? If it's just a coolant collection problem, you could put virtually any plastic tub under the discharge area in the cabinet.

I don't know how familiar you are with the shape of the tank but there really isn't much to it aside from being a big steel tub with a lid on it, an inlet funnel and a pump.

I'd beat on that guy on eBay (if you only need the sheetmetal portion of it).

As I posted before, the HFO in Torrance had a couple of older tanks in their service area. You might give them a call:

Haas Factory Outlet
CNC Machine Tools
580 Madrid Avenue
Torrance, CA 90501
Phone: (310) 381-0750
Fax: (310) 381-0744

If you actually need the whole coolant tank and pump assy, I think you're going to have a tougher go of it. It's not impossible but it might take you some time to find it.

[bob1112]

Yes, I really only need that holding tank. The pumps and such should be easy enough to fab in. I was just trying to withhold having to make a tank and all that. I have TSC and have heard that the stock 40gal tank needs to be bigger anyway but I would be happy just to find a 40gal and be done with that. If we make one, I will have to weld it up, install casters, swarf baffles, and all that jazz. Too much time but I need something soon.

I will surely call your HFO Mon. I have talked to a few HFOs and non of them are much help other than call someone else. I am not sure if the new tanks will fit or not but I am afraid to ask what they cost. I will have this machine in the shop Sat. so that will help firm up some dims and what will and won't work for the tank.

Thanks for your reply. I guess these tanks are just hard.

[Donkey Hotey]

Merry Christmas
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=200189422827

[bob1112]

Ha, I figured they were around somewhere. guess we will see if I can get it at a decent price. Next question is how the heck do we ship something like that? I would sure think that would ship better in a box with DHL than with a freight co. Any ideas?

[Donkey Hotey]

I haven't got a clue. Maybe they're willing to remove the pump and loose/smaller sheetmetal and ship that in a separate box.

With all of that removed, maybe they can run a roll of packing tape around the tank and lid and hope that UPS will take it with nothing but a shipping tag. I don't know what their max length/width is but it's worth asking.

UPS has brought me heavier items and longer items. I know they ship tires with nothing but a tag on them. It would have to be clean but I see no reason they wouldn't do it.