Denford Triac VMC with ATC Conversion / Fix

[m_c]

Hi Chaz,

I have just acquired 1/2 of a TRIAC VMC today so will follow your threads with interest. The Miller was going for scrap. Unfortunately I don't have the controller or a schematic but do have the monitor/PC, not that I think it of much use on its own. I have to decide if the miller is worth the time of effort to "upgrade". Even with the latest electronics/controllers its not as simple as plug and play. I agree its heavier than it looks. The C of G is not where you expect it either. The lifting eye on the top gives the game away.

I noticed your post over on the Denford forum earlier.
Without the control box, there will be a lot more wiring needed done, but there's nothing insurmountable if you really want to get the machine running.
From the photos you posted over on the Denford forum, you've got a BT30 spindle (it's got an 8 position tool changer), and stepper motors.
Ultimately to get it running, you'd need 3 stepper drivers (plus suitable power supply), a spindle drive, some form of controller, and lots of relays.

If you do decide not to keep it, I'd be interested. I've got a BT35 spindle version, but would quite like a BT30 version as toolholders are far easier to get, so I could swap the required bits.

[robertpearce4]

I noticed your post over on the Denford forum earlier.
Without the control box, there will be a lot more wiring needed done, but there's nothing insurmountable if you really want to get the machine running.
From the photos you posted over on the Denford forum, you've got a BT30 spindle (it's got an 8 position tool changer), and stepper motors.
Ultimately to get it running, you'd need 3 stepper drivers (plus suitable power supply), a spindle drive, some form of controller, and lots of relays.

If you do decide not to keep it, I'd be interested. I've got a BT35 spindle version, but would quite like a BT30 version as toolholders are far easier to get, so I could swap the required bits.

Hi Chaz,

Thanks for your quick reply. I obtained a battery powered folk lift truck (FLT) from the same source...with 50% of the battery's shot. I used the FLT to move the miller with the aid of some deep cycle battery's. I need to do a little more reasearch on the cost, time, effort, choice of controllers + do I need a miller....etc before I write it off. My current urgent need is to buy a small metal lathe (Viceroy) off a friend in Magor now that I have 3 Phase on site.. Dare I ask what its worth to you? Can you swap the toolholder easily between machines? Yours for mine? I don't need this functionality and it probably complicates the control electronics. BTW I am near Welshpool. You would need to collect. There is a slim possibility the controller is about in the factory it came from. I need to have a search now I know what I'm looking for.

[Chaz]

Hi Chaz,

Thanks for your quick reply. I obtained a battery powered folk lift truck (FLT) from the same source...with 50% of the battery's shot. I used the FLT to move the miller with the aid of some deep cycle battery's. I need to do a little more reasearch on the cost, time, effort, choice of controllers + do I need a miller....etc before I write it off. My current urgent need is to buy a small metal lathe (Viceroy) off a friend in Magor now that I have 3 Phase on site.. Dare I ask what its worth to you? Can you swap the toolholder easily between machines? Yours for mine? I don't need this functionality and it probably complicates the control electronics. BTW I am near Welshpool. You would need to collect. There is a slim possibility the controller is about in the factory it came from. I need to have a search now I know what I'm looking for.

You mean M_C :-)