Not Exactly A Traditional Hobbyest Machine...

[coolidge]

Well there's a boat load of Cat40 tooling available both used and new, it dwarfs R8 which seems to be getting more difficult to find especially of any quality. I was looking for an R8 tap holder the last couple of days its pretty much non-existent. I'd be more comfortable with a PDB in Cat40.

 

[Sandia]

Not quite as picky as you Charles (wink, wink), but I agree with you on the electrical control mounting. Could make for a early project.

I too wonder what that box is on the spindle brake. See what looks like a cable coming out the bottom of that cover? The brake may just be a electrical switch back to the VFD, but the makers decided to put a lever up there where the Old School guys are expecting a mechanical? Or, it could be a mechanical brake with a electrical switch to the stop input on the VFD so all you have to do to stop the spindle would be to grab the brake (my preferred option). Dunno, just supposition on my part. And sorry, but this was the only pic Matt sent me. Didn't ask for specs as this decision is still a ways off and I don't want to pester him too much.

Forgot about Jim's Big Orange. Probably because I was jealous when I saw it and immediately blocked it out...

I would have this thing drop shipped to a rigger and have them deliver it to my garage. Way too large for a lift-gate delivery.

Bill, the box on the spindle brake would contain a micro switch that disconnects power when you operate the brake. You then reset it by switching the power switch on the console to off then back on. I have the same arrangement on my Acer EVS, and it works sweet. The throw on the brake is very short which I like.

 

[wrmiller]

Well there's a boat load of Cat40 tooling available both used and new, it dwarfs R8 which seems to be getting more difficult to find especially of any quality. I was looking for an R8 tap holder the last couple of days its pretty much non-existent. I'd be more comfortable with a PDB in Cat40.

Cat40 still seems overkill for a hobby machine, but I will consider this, thanks coolidge.

 

[wrmiller]

Bill, the box on the spindle brake would contain a micro switch that disconnects power when you operate the brake. You then reset it by switching the power switch on the console to off then back on. I have the same arrangement on my Acer EVS, and it works sweet. The throw on the brake is very short which I like.

Thanks Bob, that is pretty much how I figured it might work. Pretty good guess on my part.

 

[tmarks11]

PM935TV
Sharp LMV w/digital head
PM949EV

So you are saying the 949EV is made in Taiwan?

I am (still) a big fan of the LMV. Of course, Matt did say the (new) silver ones are made in a different plant then the (old) gray ones, which is the ones I used.

 

[wrmiller]

Matt said the 949EV is made in the same Taiwan plant as the 935T series.

I don't have to make a decision right away. I can get parts and service from Sharp in CA, and from Matt on the other coast so that shouldn't be an issue. And I still like some of the unique aspects of the Sharp mills. Just because they are made in a different factory doesn't automatically infer better or worse quality. I still like chrome ways because they wear like diamond, but I think the turcite coatings used more commonly are just as good? I'll have to research that.

I'll narrow this stuff down the closer I get to actually moving. There is a Sharp dealer in the Phoenix area, so maybe I can get a first-hand look at one before I make a decision.

 

[coolidge]

Yeah but if you buy that silver metal flake Sharp you will have to learn to disco dance. Bill in a white jump suit with tassels...

 

[JimDawson]

 

[mksj]

One of these days, I will probably upgrade to a knee mill. Since I am space limited, the PM935TV is high up on the list for my next mill. Still, if I could get past the cost and weight, at 9-10K I would probably go for the SHARP LMV-DVS 9" x 42". The Sharp VFD model runs off of single or 3 phase, so I would not need an RPC. My main concern with these machines is getting replacement parts down the line, the Sharp should not be an issue in most of our lifetimes. The PM949EV controls and light set-up are kind of funky.

SHARP LMV-DVS STANDARD FEATURES

• Meehanite® casting
• Precision ABEC-7 angular contact bearings to support spindle
• Spindle is ground and chromed to fit the housing to insure runout of 0.0002" T.I.R.
• Motor shaft and Digital Variable Speed (DVS) drive head pulleys are dynamically balanced, then chromed for flawless fit, ground ribs on inside diameter, for smooth speed changes
• Motor shaft has an oil channel in the center that is fed by grease fitting on the lower end, to keep variable speed drive pulley moving smoothing on the shaft
• Roller bearing for lower support of the shaft to ensure proper loading, support and alignment to prevent the shaft from being distorted by the tension of the belt, for quite, accurate operation at any speed
• High out-put double fans keep head and motor cool, to run jobs for extended periods without damaging the motor, belts and bearings
• Yaskawa® inverter drive system with large LED RPM display and lower voltage control
• Patented knuckle design uses 6 bolts, 3 bolts per side, securing them from the outside, it locks the head securely for better accuracy and performance
• Table and saddle backlash is controlled by double nut design, keeps leadscrew in contact with bronze nuts all times to keep backlash at 0.0008" within 20"
• Table and saddle are mounted with thrust bearings that preloaded the feed screw, eliminating end-play for precisely controlled lateral movement
• Dovetail ways are hard chrome on saddle and column
• Hand scraped saddle and knee for better oil retention to avoid chips and dirt embed in the knee and damage the sliding surface
• All wear areas are oil grooved for maximum lubrication
• One shot lubrication system, for lubrication of all ways and leadscrews
• Machine runs 220V/3 Phase/60 Hz. or 220V/1 Phase/60 Hz

 

[wrmiller]

If space is an issue in the new diggs, the list shortens to the 935TV and the Sharp. And if funds are available at that time, the Sharp will likely get the nod.

If I get the Sharp, I will have to cover the table, for two reasons: One, to protect that gorgeous finish. And two, to prevent having to wear a welders helmet when milling to protect from the glare.