Hurco as first machine

[ssrmr2]

I am looking into a VMC. I am debating between 3 brands, one being Hurco. This will be my first VMC. I am not a machinist though, I would like some input on the controls, quirks and anything else about the Hurco VMC's. Size 30 x 20 or somewhere in that area. please add input. I will be using OneCNC to program with.

steve

[jeep534]

well, Hurco, Haas and what is the third one ???????
Hurco has the best conversational control bar none. most easy work can be programmed in front of the control. with the dual screen control you can pick a place in the part view and it will highlight the corresponding place in the code....
all in all a very nice machine for the money.

Just My Humble Opinion
archie =) =) =)

[john whidden]

ssrmr2, check your PMs.

[frenchy313]

In my opinion, you just can't beat the Hurco. Conversational programming is very intuitive. I've taught many people that are not machinists and have very little experience to program conversationally. The control pretty much tells you what it doesn't like while you are programming. I would be looking at the VMX 30, it has all the bells and whistles, ie chip conveyor, washdown, dual screen, it comes with the max classic package as well. If you plan on programming conversationally I would add the ultipockets option and DXF is a must. The rest of the options are dependant on what type of parts you will be making. You simply won't find many machine tools that have a 40gb hard drive, runs off of windows xp, and has real time verification graphics. If you need more info just pm me

[ssrmr2]

the other 2 machines are Haas and Fadal.

Now is the conversational programming, does that have the ability to do surfaces and 3d pockets?

-steve

[john whidden]

I have a 2008 VM-1 for sale.

[jetski]

3d is a negative in conversational on all of the machines I have seen. Hurco has what they call 3D it is like Auto Cad 20 years ago 2.5 D. Draw it in a 2D plane and rotate or extrued it (jump rope, merry-go-round, or a gutter). MasterCam, Gibbs, ProManufacture, Bobcad, ect for 3D. No body I have seen has a conversational for 3D yet. I use to work for Hurco U.S. they have one of the best depending on how much money you want to thow you can get better and worse.

[ssrmr2]

I was wondering how good the conversational was. I bet it is EXTREMELY difficult to program 3d with conversational.

[jetski]

It is easy but limited in the shapes. For example doing a simple football 1/2, doughnut 1/2, or a gutter shape is the most you can get out of it. If you try to program a shape like your mouse (top surface), I am not saying it can not be done...but you will be there the rest of your life and scrap several tons of steel getting it done. That is were you need the mastercams of the world.

[glovebox20]

Hello

You will probly find that you will love the hurco's for simple 2D work. There a breeze to program and with the Wireframe graphics, they are tough to beat. However, if your primarily foucs is 3D work, you might find out you wish you had someting better to program with. Not that it can not be done with the Hurco's, I would just require a lot more time to get it right than if you had a good cam system (Mastercam, gibbs, Etc.) Although if you are doing a lot of 2D work and you don't have a dxf to go off of, will will be quite happy with the Hurco programing.

There's my 2 cents.

glovebox20

[SeanC]

I bought a VM1 at the end of 2005. I bought it because it fit into my garage and was reasonably priced.

Shortly after buying it I started seeing all kinds of ads from various makers about their new affordable small machines. Being a FANUC guy, going to the HURCO was a bit of a transition and sometimes a PITA, but all in all the machine has made money for me and does what I've asked of it so far.

Would I do it again? Not a chance - there are just plain better/faster machines out there now for a similar price from what I can tell. Mostly I miss the FANUC control here at home. To me FANUC was easy and user friendly - it made sense to me. There are some nagging issues with the UltiMax that I don't like - though I understand many of the things have been addressed with WinMax(butI'm not paying $3k to upgrade to it).

The conversational DOES make programming simple parts much quicker than g-coding, although buying some CAM software would most likely negate that advantage.

Though I wouldn't buy one again, the things that I don't like like about it aren't major enough that I'd get rid of it anytime soon.

Just one mans' opinion - take it for what it's worth.


-Sean