Journeyman 320- convert or junk it?

[Tom Curran]

I have a journeyman 320, wih a Miltronics Centurion IV control.

I cannot run it presently because of a problem in the servos. The X axis started shuddering in one direction, but now the problem switched to the Y axis. The spindle turned on the other day while I had my hand on the allen wrench to tighten the cutter in the adapter. Scared the heck out of me.

So I need some advice in sorting things out. I don't mind supplying more information.

Should I attempt to fix( it will be one thing after another from here on out)

Should I replace the control(can be time consuming and expensive)

Should I get a new machine, and junk the old(expensive, but I'll be up and running)

Any thoughts appreciated.

Tom

[MechWerks]

Like any machine fix or not is a big consideration.
Any machine is a ROI (return on investment). Object is capability or profit.

Good news about used machines is that retrofit is usually possible if the bones are good. But the downtime to fit can be costly.

Now you are down to figuring out your ROI.

Find cost to have a qualified tech fix your existing problem.

Find cost to retrofit to a newer PC control and related drives, etc (new electronics). And overhaul or replace other suspect parts to meet your ROI plan.

Find a different machine with a suitable ROI.

Obviously the decision hinges on what it is worth to you to get up and running. Making profits. If the downtime to fix or update can be tolerated and recovered in a timely manner...go that way. If letting a new machine pay for it's work provides a better path...go that way.

Part of any business plan. What do you want to accomplish and how are you going to get there? Obviously any machine has to pay for itself in a period of time (after supporting cost and operator are considered as part of that cost) and provide a certain level of profit or lend somehow to profit.