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View Full Version : CONVERSION: boxford vmc 300 mach3 conversion



bigred5765
01-05-2014, 11:12 AM
So after lots of long telephone conversations with lots of very helpful people on here,we have decided to go down the route of removing all the boxford electronics and replacing with nice new shiny stuff, the only thing we will be keeping is the spindle speed controller this were going to add in to mach 3 and be able to control with a pot,(would love to be able to monitor spindle speed) and have seen another thread on here of a vmc260 conversion I think the guy there did the same, any info on that would be great did you get it to work ?
here some pictures before the start
122981229912300123011230212303so pretty much a standard boxford vmc300 we have the original pc and software but wanted full 3d machine so all that must go

bigred5765
01-05-2014, 11:21 AM
so after a call from a new friend on here rnr107 (http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/members/rnr107.html) thanks buy the way for all your help yesterday,
we made a start removing all the old genuine electronics (up for sale buy the way pm me if you would like to buy anything)
we took a trip to pick up rnr107 and he did some testing and checking to see what was what,we made him a drink and came back to this 123041230512306
which was ok actually as its what we asked him to do but a little shocked at how quick he managed that lol :dejection::rolleyes:
and within a few minuets had his cnc box wired in and it was up and working chuffed to bitts
cant wait now for the posty to bring a big box of bits (more pics to follow ) soon be making chips

rnr107
01-05-2014, 01:39 PM
Hey...! :-) Now you've got plenty of space to put the new electronic in mate!

Give me a set of allen keys, a Philips screw driver and pair of cutters and I'll strip a full factory... ;-)

bigred5765
01-05-2014, 05:23 PM
Hey...! :-) Now you've got plenty of space to put the new electronic in mate!

Give me a set of allen keys, a Philips screw driver and pair of cutters and I'll strip a full factory... ;-)
lol thanks again we would have been lost without you yesterday

GEOFFREY
01-05-2014, 06:39 PM
Hey...! :-) Now you've got plenty of space to put the new electronic in mate!

Give me a set of allen keys, a Philips screw driver and pair of cutters and I'll strip a full factory... ;-)

How about moving to South Lincolnshire. G.

frsservices
15-11-2014, 03:15 AM
Hi,

Do you still have the original PC and software or just the software

Regards,
Bob

Proteus
01-09-2016, 01:50 PM
Did you sell all the old parts when converting Your boxford vmc300 ?
Just bought one of these(a 2002 model), and i might need some parts as i`m having problems running the X, Y and Z axis for some reason.

rnr107
05-09-2016, 07:09 AM
Hi Proteus,
Don't bother with the original Boxford electronic.... Convert to Mach3 or LinuxCNC.
Electronic in there is too old mate. It could pot any time really...

RNR

Proteus
05-09-2016, 08:04 AM
Thx for reply rnr107, and beleive me i will but at a later stage i think.
I suspect everything to be in order except for an apparently dead Y axis IS5063 sensor(no light).
By manipulating the different sensors, it was no problem running all axis manually. Changing the IS5063 sensor should solve the problem i hope, and if not they are good sensors for a Mach3 system as well.
My plan was to make use of it while planning rebuilding it to Mach3. My main concern is to find a proper milling motor that could handle a bit more load, and a Controller that could handle the ATC installed.

I got an HBM BF25 mill that i have converted to Mach3, and i can use this one to make parts when converting the 300 VMC mill if needed.
Any suggestions as to types of Mach3 Breakout Boards to use for handling the original ATC ?
Any experience with the original stepper motors ?

reelman
05-09-2016, 09:25 AM
Did you sell all the old parts when converting Your boxford vmc300 ?
Just bought one of these(a 2002 model), and i might need some parts as i`m having problems running the X, Y and Z axis for some reason.
Hi Proteus, yes I have all the original innards what are you looking for!!!

Proteus
05-09-2016, 09:37 AM
Hi reelman,
Not sure yet. I have ordered, and will change the IS5063 sensor on the Y axis first.
If i can get it up and running by simply changing that part, i might convert the machine to Mach3 later on(if i can find some suitable parts like breakup boards handling the ATC and other stuff).

reelman
05-09-2016, 10:14 AM
OK no problem hope you get sorted

Proteus
03-01-2017, 11:52 AM
OK no problem hope you get sorted

Did you sell all Your parts reelman ?
I ended up with a full rehab/rebuild for my VMC300, leaving me with a lot of original parts(motors, Electronics, transformers)..
Thinking about selling it, but what is a fair price on this stuff? (It`s all in good condition and bearly used according to previous owner).

reelman
03-01-2017, 10:24 PM
Did you sell all Your parts reelman ?
I ended up with a full rehab/rebuild for my VMC300, leaving me with a lot of original parts(motors, Electronics, transformers)..
Thinking about selling it, but what is a fair price on this stuff? (It`s all in good condition and bearly used according to previous owner).

HI proteus I still have all of my original stuff as no one was interested in it. So get what you can.

Jerry
05-07-2018, 06:05 PM
hey i'm having an issue with my 300VMCi, i'm getting lights on the controller bot nothing works, any suggestions