Old Italian Made CNC Lathe HELP

[BillBert]

I found an older Italian made CNC lathe that was used in a high school shop class, it is a Meccanica Cortini H105. Can anyone tell me something about this machine as he wants to sell it, I may be interested but don't know what it would take to get it running, software, computer connection etc??



Has anyone even heard of it before?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks

[underthetire]

No, but it would be a great candidate for mach3.

[BillBert]

No, but it would be a great candidate for mach3.

Well, this is what I was hoping for. Please tell me what makes it a great candidate for Mach3? Would you not need to know what is there first? Controllers, servos etc? Or are you suggesting using the bare bone mechanics and adding servos etc?

Thanks

[underthetire]

You might end up needing to change the driver boards, but I'll bet it's stepper already. I wouldn't fool around with older software, most older pc stuff was crap. Mach 3 looks pretty configurable, and since the lathe is already cnc, you won't need to modify anything to get it going, at least not compared to changing over a manual machine.

[BillBert]

You might end up needing to change the driver boards, but I'll bet it's stepper already. I wouldn't fool around with older software, most older pc stuff was crap. Mach 3 looks pretty configurable, and since the lathe is already cnc, you won't need to modify anything to get it going, at least not compared to changing over a manual machine.

Yes, I believe that it has stepper motors. I have several manual lathes and am very familiar with them, additionally I work with computers and write software and have an electronics background, however, I have ZERO CNC experience and rather than try and convert my 12X36 into CNC I am looking for a machine that will take little work to get it working with something like Mach3, so this sounds like a good start then.

Thank you for your help.

[BillBert]

Well, I took the plunge and made the purchase (didn't cost much, I spent more on gas as it weighs in excess of 350 LBS). When I saw this thing live, I had to have it (built like a tank, no plastic all metal). The pictures don't do it justice. Aside from a few scratches from being in storage, it seems truly new, zero signs of wear. Okay, now I need to figure out what to do to get it running, I have no manuals or information on this thing. Where do I start. I am a complete CNC newbie.

I have included some photos. In the last photo, can someone tell me about the "over sized" parallel looking connectors?

Any input, suggestions, guidance, and/or help on where to start would be GREATLY appreciated.








Thanks
Bob

[BillBert]

No, but it would be a great candidate for mach3.

Yes, that is my desire, I have been studying the Mach3 software and I am sold... However, I need to figure out first how to power up the lathe as well as interfacing it with my computer. This is where I need some suggestions on how to approach it.

Bob

[Al_The_Man]

Looks like a beautiful little machine, the connectors are made by Wieland Bamberg for one manuf.
Do you have the mating connectors and wiring, also the machine schematics or manuals?
Otherwise you are in for some 'reverse engineering'.
Al.

[underthetire]

You must get horrible gas mileage, or you stole that thing! Nice buy!

[BillBert]

You must get horrible gas mileage, or you stole that thing! Nice buy!

My gas mileage is not the best, however it was a 500 mile round trip! BUT, I had to go that way on business anyway ;-)

[BillBert]

Looks like a beautiful little machine, the connectors are made by Wieland Bamberg for one manuf.
Do you have the mating connectors and wiring, also the machine schematics or manuals?
Otherwise you are in for some 'reverse engineering'.
Al.

Hi Al, NO, that is the problem no mating connectors and NO manuals or schematics. Anything (which is not much) that I can find using Google is in Italian. However, the company is still around, but looks like they only make industrial sized machines now. I guess I will write them and see if they have the manual, schematics and or any technical information.

Thanks
Bob

[Al_The_Man]

I have used those connectors in the past, although nice, as you may imagine are pricey, it may be easier/cheaper to rewire and hard wire back to the control, which could be situated at the end of any bench you mount it on.
Al.