Problems to look out for with very old machines?

[aaltman]

It's not hard to find discussions on 1988- or so and newer machines. Let's say a deal came up on a 1985 or 86 though. Any problems particular to machines that old?

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[Jim Dawson]

When looking at machines in that age range, look for mechanical condition. You are going to replace the jurassic control system anyway. I have 2 mid 80's machines (not Fadal) both were mechanically in near new condition. One I picked up at near scrap price. Did a controls retrofit on one, using the original servos and drives, did a full retrofit on the other with all new AC servos. Both have worked out very well for me.

[joeavaerage]

Hi,
I looked to retrofitting a Bridgeport clone and I found wear of the ways to be the most difficult to overcome.

To retrofit as CNC really requires no, or at least minimal lash, so having a few thou' wear in the ways, typically in the mid-stroke of the axis, is very difficult to counter.
Grinding and/or scraping of the ways is possible but demanding of your skill...or pocket book.

Craig

[michael_lu]

You may encounter problems with bearing damage.
My machine has been used for twelve years, and his guide rail slider is damaged.
Fortunately, I purchased at www.bearingkingdom.com.

[rodney247]

It really depends on how well it was maintained. And hopefully it has a Main CPU upgrade to at least 1400-4 preferably -5. This is Our Fadal 1986 still running today same condition



One check to see how much wear the turcite has gone thru is to run indicator across table in Y axis especially. It may be out .010 or more, and you can have the top recut by a Fadal service tech. But the Turcite on the Way surfaces could be the most important thing to check so get up i there and look at it, (it is green in color) common problem is the turcite has come loose. That is a expensive fix. Time consuming but if you can rebuild a chevy 350 motor you could prolly do it the sell turcite kits for all the axises.

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