Chip auger on my 1999 VM24 problem

[moldcore]

Anyone know of a way to clean out the chip auger on my 1999 VM24. The problem is fine chips have built up in the area between the auger housing and outer wall and do to a poor design, there is no access to this area. Coolant now overflows because the holes in the front of the unit can’t vacate the coolant fast enough.

The housing is made up of welded sheet metal that has ¼” diameter holes for the coolant and fine chips but only 1/16” of clearance under it to drain out into the bottom tray. I’ve tried air and high pressure coolant to clean it out, but it has gotten to the point after 8 years of use, that it has become very difficult and time consuming.

I’m afraid my only recourse is to remove the welds on the end to gain access and/or rebuild the housing.

Yet another ridiculous feature of one of the worst engineered machines I’ve used in my 35 years in this business.

[sco999]

Yet another ridiculous feature of one of the worst engineered machines I’ve used in my 35 years in this business.

I have a great solution, sell me your machine!!!! Then buy one of my 2000 Hardinge vmc 1000 II's with chip conveyer, thru spindle coolant, renishaw part probe, etc, etc.... 5000 runtime hours. Like new. We could work out a trade or something. Or I could just give you cash.

Let me know if you are interested in selling your vm-24 I am in Muskegon, Michigan area. I am looking for another VM-24.

[moldcore]

Thanks, but no thanks.