VF-E

[l u k e]

I searched around and can't find much on the VF-E. All I found was that it may have been intended for teaching, as in "E" for education. The guy also said that they were bottom of the barrel machines and that Hass cut corners on them where ever possible, i.e. cheap bearings, etc. Is there any truth to this?

[tobyaxis]

Call your local HFO. They will know what the deal is.

[l u k e]

Sent an email to my local HFO.

Does anyone have any info on this machine?

[wms]

The VF-E was a basic model same size as a VF-1..The "E" was for Economy..so 20 x 16 x16 travels.

There also was a VF-EXT model too..30 x 16 x16

They were cookies cutter versions..no options where avaialble..You got it how it was and that was it..

The were brushed servo models..as was the rest of the line at that time was switching over to brushless servos..around 1996..

If I remember correctly...the didn't have P cool, or and 4 axis card..no chip conveyor..and I believe they were direct drive spindle..no gear box...

[rawen2]

Luke,

I called Haas in California a while back with the same question and they told me that the VF-E was the same as a VF-0 (no gearbox) but was cheaper to buy at the time because it still used brushed servos. The rest of the VF's switched to brushless servos sometime in 1996.

I saw a 1997 VF-E advertised somewhere that had lots of options on it: Chip auger, Quick Code, P-Cool, spindle orientation, ridgid tap, 4th axis wired.

Ralph

[wms]

I saw a 1997 VF-E advertised somewhere that had lots of options on it: Chip auger, Quick Code, P-Cool, spindle orientation, ridgid tap, 4th axis wired.

My bet is that it was a VF-0E..which was an extended travel VF-O, which could be ordered with options like mensioned..

[l u k e]

What is the problem with the brushed servo models?

[wms]

What is the problem with the brushed servo models?

Nothing..just that brushless are cleaner and tend to run long without service..And in the Haas line, the brushless are faster rapids and such..

But don't let that bother you..plenty of brushed machines where made and still in service..I still have two of them in use every day..along with two brushless..

[l u k e]

I'm just trying to avoid getting a cnc knee mill as my first machine and I'm "done" cranking handles.

[tobyaxis]

Originally Posted by l u k e I'm just trying to avoid getting a cnc knee mill as my first machine and I'm "done" cranking handles.

LOL, after dealing with CNC for so long I would love to go back to cranking handles. No waiting and being able to use all your skills as a tradesman would be a nice change.

Good luck with your HAAS Search. I have used 5 New ones in the last 3 years and totally changed my attitude toward their machines.

What specific work envelope are you looking for??
What kind of space do you have for it??
How complex are your parts??

[rawen2]

Here's a couple VF-E's that have options on them but I suppose the options could have been added later.

Ralph

http://www.wotol.com/1-haas-vf-e-3/s...prod_id/118459

http://www.asimachinetool.com/vmc/8336.htm

[l u k e]

LOL, after dealing with CNC for so long I would love to go back to cranking handles. No waiting and being able to use all your skills as a tradesman would be a nice change.

Well I do enjoy the work but I have more complex stuff in my head that is screaming to get out.

Good luck with your HAAS Search. I have used 5 New ones in the last 3 years and totally changed my attitude toward their machines.

Changed you mind how?

What specific work envelope are you looking for?? What kind of space do you have for it?? How complex are your parts??

A VF-2 would be fine for everything I make, but I just don't want to spend the $$ on a new machine. Been out of work for over a year now, was going to make that purchase when the bottom fell out.

I've done a ton of reasearch here over the years and the VF2 is exactly what I need (in a perfect world), however I can make my stuff on a cnc knee mill. I'm just to the point that I need to make a purchase to get going. I'm stuck between a new cnc knee mill or a used Haas VF- up to but excluding the VF3 because of space. The price of a new knee mill and the VF-E is damn near the same price.