The old CNC machine I had purchased was a prototype. Controller problems and mechanical problems plagued the machine, plus no availability of parts made repairs practically impossible! When we finally did locate parts the owner didn't want to sell any of them but wanted to buy the machine instead. Worked out well as they sent a truck from Michigan and I didn't even have to lift a finger!
Looking for a good used machine is pretty much fruitless and if you should find something decent expect to pay dearly.
A big thanks to Adam F, here, for info supplied on Charter Oak Automation which had just relocated to my town and less than 5 miles away. I was familiar with their machine as they had taken over from Industrial Hobby's Mill from New Britain Ct and had just opened for business in Wallingford. Went down to check out the facility and see if they had any used machinery. Great bunch of guys, Tony (owner), Paul, Jim, and Randy.
No used equipment but the new stuff looked very good. Told them to keep me in mind if any used goodies came in or any deals became available. Heard from Paul a few days later as a machine came in with some water damage. Went to look and these guys were willing to work out a great deal. As of this moment its a manual mill but will hopefully get the retrofit within the next year or two.
Spent a couple of weeks getting the bugs out but all seems good now! These boys were even kind enough to deliver the mill and am I ever glad I didn't take on that project at my age. Almost 4 hrs to get it into my basement.
All I need to round things out is a good horizontal/vertical metal cutting saw and I should be able to handle anything within reason. The job shop that I'm doing lathe work for also has some small prototype mill work for me and this will definitely help.
The best part is its going to be available for all my custom reel work. Just have to make some time!
Regards and all the best, .. Lou
Charter Oak Automation certainly sounds like Connecticut! I went to Central Connecticut in New Britski for a couple of years and worked at a bearing shop in Glastonbury operating screw machines and lathes.
That's great Lou!
Nice machine 8)
Marc..
Thanks Tom! Its just a hobby mill, nothing like you have or what your doing with yours. If your giving lesson's I'd be glad to be your student. Just having some fun and taking a few outside jobs pays for the equipment and lets me play!
................. Lou
Looks great, Lou --
Safety first -- eyes, ears, loose clothing, good vises, fingers intact...
That is a lot of machine.
Best,
Fred
is there anything that you guys can't do? ;D
That looks like more than a "hobbyist" machine!
Now you're getting serious Lou.
I know how excited you must be, but when the wife calls you for dinner, don't do as I do and get upstairs ;D.
Very nice buddy...good luck with it.
Sal
Looks good! I think you will be very happy with that machine.
Quote from: Alto Mare on March 14, 2016, 01:07:49 AM
Now you're getting serious Lou.
I know how excited you must be, but when the wife calls you for dinner, don't do as I do and get upstairs ;D.
Very nice buddy...good luck with it.
Sal
Sal i used to get into a spat over not coming when dinner is on the table. I finally solved the problem by asking Linda to give me a half hour warning. That gave me time to put the job away and wash up. It works. Dominick
X2 on what Alan said.
Very nice Lou I hope you get a lot of enjoyment out of that machine.
Would dearly love to have a machine like this.
Have fun with it Lou. Please post some of your projects that come off it.
The sky is the limit for you now!