Unmodified Orac question

[John S]

Can't really help but just remembered I have an Orac here somewhere, don't laugh but according to small son we have 15 CNC machines here somewhere in various stated of undress.

Anyway from what I remember after we collected it from Oxford, plugged it in to try it and it was dead but the spindle would run. If you find out what's wrong I'm quite prepared to rob this for spares but it is an unknown item.

[asto]

Thanks John S!
I can count on that.
It seems to me yours carry a power chuck.

[John S]

Yes it has standard chuck and air chuck.
Problem with the air chuck is no hole down the middle so limited to cut pieces but at least I can swap it.
I have a small Sieg KC4 lathe at the moment but the Orac is a bigger and beefier machine.
When I get it converted it will replace the KC4. Idea is to run it on Mach with a Kflop to do the spindle timing for threading.

[birchy]

@Asto:
Given that you have THIS issue AND your spindle drive problems on the other thread, maybe it's time to consider bringing that machine forward 30 years with an upgrade to more modern control?

[asto]

I am not going to hide this. You are so right Birchy. The point here is that a friend of mine is waiting to receive parts and promised him we start this Monday.
Now he is about to see me ling to him.
Best way of course would be to possess an industrial cnc but at the moment I can not afford this.

cheers

[birchy]

Well....you have 2 choices:

1. Confess that your machine has broken down and you cannot repair
2. Sub contract the work to another company

[Swarfing]

I have to be honest Asto the gains in changing the electronics will save you a lot of heartache and future expense. You have 30 year old electronics and it will repeatedly breakdown on you. You could get some money back from selling the electronics you have. There will always be somebody that is willing to give it a go and put that towards new stuff. Your steppers should be fine and you could utilise the power supplies maybe?