Problem- VF-2 Work Light Out

[akedward]

Anyone have their VF-2 work light go out on them within the first couple months? I tested the bulb and it still works. I thought I would ask before I started trying to trace the circuit.

[fuzzyracing1967]

had the same problem with vf-4,coolent was splashing up to the conector on the wires and shorting it out,it would blow the (1.5 amp?) fusses in the cabinet.hope this helps.

[Donkey Hotey]

New machine? I'd say it's not your problem.

Then again, if getting the HFO out to your place is a PITA, I understand. Just make sure that you document everything you're doing to the machine if it's still under warranty.

[Geof]

Originally Posted by akedward Anyone have their VF-2 work light go out on them within the first couple months? I tested the bulb and it still works. I thought I would ask before I started trying to trace the circuit.

Not that I am trying to be a smart a** but you did check that it is switched on. One of my guys asked if we could order a replacement bulb for the light on out VF0 and all it needed was switching on; he had bumped the switch I guess...he was also embarassed.

[fuzzyracing1967]

Yes sometimes it's as simple as a fliped switch.That brings back the memory of doing that very thing to a guy that ran my machine while I was on vacation,drove him nuts for 2 weeks thinking he broke something.We like are harmless pranks here,that makes it all the more fun.

[HelicopterJohn]

Hi akedward,

I have a question but don't want to hijack this thread. If this is improper let me know and I will start a new thread. Also, anyone with any information could also send me a PM instead of detracting from this thread.

I have a new HAAS TM-1P. I looked a VF series machine at the local HFO and those machines have 2 nice lights in each corner of the machine and seem to provide good lighting inside the cabinet.

The TM-1P lighting option is a flimsy adjustable halogen light and is basically a joke for the $300.00 price tag.

I would like to install some fixtures similar to the ones on the VF series machines in my TM-1P cabinet. If anyone knows the manufacturer and model number of those lights it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

John

[Donkey Hotey]

Go to the local home center and look around at all of the waterproof outdoor light housings. There are low voltage options if you like. You can also install 110V stuff. I'd stay away from halogen lights due to the heat they generate. I don't know how they'd do with coolant splashed all over them and they use a glass lens (can't be good with flying debris in there).

I've also considered buying extra halogens but installing them above the doors (outside the cabinet) like the Haas High Intensity Lighting option. It's basically two lights mounted above the doors, with a roller switch. When the doors open, the lights come on. They'll give ya' a nice tan if you stand under them too long but boy do they light up the work area.

[Geof]

Originally Posted by akedward .....I thought I would ask before I started trying to trace the circuit.

If you are going to trace the circuit there is, of course, the switch on the side of the control where wires may have become disconnected by vibration. There are also connectors up inside the big steel tube that carries the control. The wiring harness comes from the cabinet at the back up through the tube to the control, onto the switch then back up into the tube and out through a hole above the machine.

I opened up the control on a machine without lights one time and found the wiring for the lights already installed, just no switch and no light. So now I do have a light.

Helicopter John; hear what Mr Hotey suggests. I installed some 12 volt tractor headlights inside one machine; I figured they would handle the coolant splash okay.

[HelicopterJohn]

Hi Greg & Geof,

Thanks guys for the information. I don't think the TM-1P was designed for that type of lighting but I will remove the back cover of the control and take a peek and see if the wiring is there as the light switch position on my control currently has a dummy plate installed there. I realize that all the machines have the same control. Hopefully, they install the same wiring harness in all the machines. That would really be sweet. I currently just have a 2 bulb 48 inch fixture laying over the top of the cabinet plugged into an extension cord. Just want something more permanent and professional looking.

I went to Home Depot but the salesman said they didn't have any waterproof fixtures there. Guess I will have to go to an electrical supply house.

John

[Geof]

Originally Posted by HelicopterJohn ....... I currently just have a 2 bulb 48 inch fixture laying over the top of the cabinet plugged into an extension cord. Just want something more permanent and professional looking.....

Whatta ya mean something more professional? Guess what we have on half a dozen MiniMills....professional enough for me.

[maxine]

Originally Posted by Geof Whatta ya mean something more professional? Guess what we have on half a dozen MiniMills....professional enough for me.

My "professional" 48 inch 2 bulb light is hanging about 2" from the top of my new machine. A convenient rafter and some bailing wire did the trick. Works fine. Seems to be a trend here.

[Geof]

Originally Posted by maxine .....A convenient rafter and some bailing wire did the trick. Works fine. Seems to be a trend here.

What, no Duct Tape?