Chevalier 2040 CNC Bed Mill Restoration

[coolidge]

11/28/2024 - We got the mill off the flatbed and into the garage with no mishaps. I was a bit concerned about the table which had some rust on it. And what might be underneath on the ways. I took a green scotch Brite pad to an area of the table quick, looks like it will clean up nice. Better, I looked underneath while it was up on the forklift and the table ways look oiled and rust free!

This restoration should be a blast!



Some light surface rust on the Z box ways, should clean up.



The face plate is still gleaming, not bad for a 28 year old machine. I noticed it has a floppy disc drive, do they even make those anymore? lol

 

[markba633csi]

Technology marches on- but cast iron abides
nice unit

 

[coolidge]

I found a serious issue...the table is only rated for...


...1870 lbs that's some serious weight

 

[coolidge]

Chip/crud removal continues. I removed the table end tray just now which doubles as a way cover...I spy Turcite X ways

 

[coolidge]

No fair clean up your chip mess you slackers...I'm off to Home Depot for mineral spirits and ample cleaning supplies.

 

[pontiac428]

Turcite could be factory, could be a rebuild, but either way there's nothing wrong with it.

So, you been telling people you picked up a modern classic Chevy and got it in your garage for a rebuild? And is it really a rebuild if it's elbow grease and mineral spirits? Okay, once you get into the controls panel box and start gutting, then you can call it a rebuild. I like that heavy setup a lot better than the servo-trak knee mills... That's a step closer to a Fadal than a Bridgeport. I think you've got quite a few of us quietly watching to see where this goes.

 

[coolidge]

Turcite could be factory, could be a rebuild, but either way there's nothing wrong with it.

So, you been telling people you picked up a modern classic Chevy and got it in your garage for a rebuild? And is it really a rebuild if it's elbow grease and mineral spirits? Okay, once you get into the controls panel box and start gutting, then you can call it a rebuild. I like that heavy setup a lot better than the servo-trak knee mills... That's a step closer to a Fadal than a Bridgeport. I think you've got quite a few of us quietly watching to see where this goes.

Yes it's technically more of a refresh than a rebuild I guess.

1. 1996 CNC electronics and electrical. For sure the CNC stuff, controls, software, screen etc. needs replaced even if it does work. Servo motors TBD. They are quite large, Clear Path has an all in one in the same torque. All axis are belt drive so no direct coupling to deal with.

2. The variable speed belt drive needs work for sure. I'd say a rebuild or conversion to VFD speed control.

3. The cover on the power drawbar is missing, and leaking. I put an air compressor to it today to get the drill chuck out and it sprang an air leak up there.

 

[coolidge]

I like that heavy setup a lot better than the servo-trak knee mills... That's a step closer to a Fadal than a Bridgeport. I think you've got quite a few of us quietly watching to see where this goes.

Agree. In fact there's been a Trak for sale near me for a couple of months now. It's quite a bit smaller, only 2 axis CNC and the guy want's close to $10k for it. I was kind of excited about the Trak when I first saw it but did some research and people who used them working a job did not have flattering things to say about them.

Looking through the books and manuals that came with it so far it looks like they opted for every optional feature when it was purchased new.

 

[pontiac428]

The head would be a tough call, because you need to retain a coupling from motor to spindle. I know it seems easiest to just toss all the guts and put a toothed belt up there, but you would be compromising your range by doing so. Relying on a VFD to work well at 150-4000(+) spindle rpm is a big ask. The way I see it, if you can pull it, you can reassemble the drive just as well with a rebuild kit. It might just need a belt and cleaning, depends on if it had positive oil feed during its life.

You're going Centroid, right? That ought to be pretty straightforward, it's not vastly different from the PMDX hardware I collected a few years back (and hope to return to eventually). Other than maybe or maybe not the servos, is there anything else you're going to salvage from the old system?

 

[coolidge]

I have not researched the pros and cons or options yet. But isn't a digital direct drive motor also an option? I was looking at Haas super mini mills and DT2's, they are direct drive with a toothed belt.