Boxford TCL 125

[JAZZCNC]

I've got 2 of these and both of them have had the Boxford bespoke controller and driver boards removed. The only thing that is re-used on one them is the spindle DC speed controller and PSU etc. This also depends which DC speed controller they fitted.!
The other has had everything removed, including the DC motor which as been replaced by a standard AC motor and run form a VFD. I didn't do this and I wouldn't recommend it because it's a unsightly mess that is hacked onto the side.

If you look around I think some folks have managed to Hack into the Boxford boards but the cost of 2 new drives and a cheap BOB (break out board) are not worth the bother IMO. If you use Linux CNC for the control software which is free then for less than £50 you could be up and running.

[John11668]

Just to clarify the history of your machines Jazz, was this kit removed by you for a reason , or had that happened before you got them?
The machine was cheap enough and I am told operates manually , so I wont mind spending a couple of hundred to see a modern computer driving it . I dont see why I would alter the spindle drive provided it is working OK

Are you saying that at worst a couple of Stepper drivers and a modern BoB should be sufficient to get it going

[JAZZCNC]

Just to clarify the history of your machines Jazz, was this kit removed by you for a reason , or had that happened before you got them?
The machine was cheap enough and I am told operates manually , so I wont mind spending a couple of hundred to see a modern computer driving it . I dont see why I would alter the spindle drive provided it is working OK

Are you saying that at worst a couple of Stepper drivers and a modern BoB should be sufficient to get it going

Yes couple of drives and a BOB will see it converted so it can be used on more modern controller.

The spindle drive is a little more complex and depends on the Spindle controller fitted to what's needed to make it work. You have to be very careful with these speed controllers because they are unforgiving regards wiring errors and wrong voltages etc, also they often run at Mains potential so very easy to damage other components and High risk of electrocution if start sticking fingers in wrong places.!!

One of the machines I stripped out because all the boards are bespoke to Boxford and couldn't be bothered to mess around hacking wires, so the only thing I've re-used is the Spindle controller and PSU, contactors, relays etc. This runs or it will do when I get around to it on Mach3.

The other came to me converted but was in a shocking state and that one had the hacked on motor. It's currently being tidied up and setup to work with Linux CNC by the Linux CNC maestro and all around good egg Clives S because he likes a nice project and it's got ATC for him top play with.