Denford VMC1300 - Rescued

**Chas Ixion** · 24-12-2016

I recently picked up a Denford VMC 1300 from my local scrap metal merchant.

Here it is on the way into my workshop.

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I have no idea what condition it is in but I figure that it was (probably) sent to the scrap yard for a good reason.

My plan is to find a permanent place for it in my workshop then try and diagnose what does and doesn't still work. If its the electronics side of things I'll probably retrofit a LinuxCNC based solution.

However I have no idea how to figure out what is and what isn't re-usable so it will be a steep learning curve, any help/advice gratefully received....

**andy_con** · 24-12-2016

I'll buy it off you ;)

**m_c** · 25-12-2016

Chas,

post up some good pics of the control cabinet when you get time, and we can point you in the right direction.

Originally Posted by andy_con

I'll buy it off you ;)

I'd keep the Triac ;)

**andy_con** · 25-12-2016

Originally Posted by m_c

Chas,

post up some good pics of the control cabinet when you get time, and we can point you in the right direction.

I'd keep the Triac ;)

Or have both ;)

**Chas Ixion** · 17-01-2017

With xmas out of the way I managed to get some time in the shed. After struggling to get the thing onto my workbench I removed the covers.

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I was able to have a poke around and establish that it did actually have steppers and ballscrews (I was worried it had been gutted of useful parts).

The Z-axis stepper has a sticker that I hope will help me identify it.

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As far as I can make out it looks like the part number is M60STH88-3008D and it was made by / supplied by Motion Control Products.

Poking around their website ( http://motioncontrolproducts.com/) I found a spec sheet for a M60STH88-3008DF I'm not sure of the significance of the F on the end.

I've also discovered that the contol cabinet is accessed from the back not the side as I originally thought. This means I need to move the thing again to get access.

Oh and I haven't been able to release the tool holder, does anyone know if I just need to pull on the lever harder or if there's a drawbar or somewhere I can tap to break the taper?

**m_c** · 18-01-2017

That datasheet should be good enough. The main thing is once you have the machine running, make sure the steppers aren't getting too hot.
Is that a brake assembly on the end of the stepper?

You'll want to check the other stepper motors, as X and Y are often fitted with smaller steppers than the Z.

Regarding the tool holder, if it's been in there for a while, there may be a bit corrosion helping to stick it. You might need to get somebody to push/pull the release lever, while somebody else gives the toolholder a hit downwards with a hammer and block of wood.

**Gary** · 18-01-2017

The F means a flat on the shaft.
I sold those motors to denford when i worked at MCP, many moons ago.

**Chas Ixion** · 18-01-2017

Originally Posted by m_c

That datasheet should be good enough. The main thing is once you have the machine running, make sure the steppers aren't getting too hot.
Is that a brake assembly on the end of the stepper?

You'll want to check the other stepper motors, as X and Y are often fitted with smaller steppers than the Z.

Regarding the tool holder, if it's been in there for a while, there may be a bit corrosion helping to stick it. You might need to get somebody to push/pull the release lever, while somebody else gives the toolholder a hit downwards with a hammer and block of wood.

No idea about the end of the stepper,

Judging by the state of the table corrosion is highly likely. I'll try and get some penetrating fluid in there to do it's work before getting the hammer out.

**Chas Ixion** · 18-01-2017

Originally Posted by Gary

The F means a flat on the shaft.
I sold those motors to denford when i worked at MCP, many moons ago.

Thanks, thats a mystery solved then :)

**m_c** · 18-01-2017

Originally Posted by Chas Ixion

No idea about the end of the stepper,

Judging by the state of the table corrosion is highly likely. I'll try and get some penetrating fluid in there to do it's work before getting the hammer out.

Penetrating fluid is more likely to do more harm than good near a spindle, and will make no difference to any corrosion that may be on the spindle taper. Just get somebody to swing on the release lever while somebody else taps the holder with the hammer.