In the market for turning center

[DBcooper]

I'm looking for a reasonably priced turning center for my home shop, I'm considering something like a qt or sqt. I don't know a ton about Mazak model numbers or comparables but those have caught my eye and would fit nicely in my space.

How user friendly is the mazatrol controller? I've operated a Haas turning center in the past, but never programmed a ton. I do a lot of conversational milling, but I'd like to get more proficient with cad/cam in the future.

What are some models to stay away from, red flags or selling points for some late 90's to early-mid 2000's mazaks?

Thanks in advance

 

[EndlessWaltz]

94 era QT18 will do you right. Can hold tolerances all day long and doesn't take up shop floor space. Can't remember which control is better. Not a mazak expert like others.

 

[DBcooper]

thank you for the input, i'll keep my eyes open

 

[BT Fabrication]

T32 is the older controller the B is the newer better version of it in the 90"s

 

[Cole2534]

I've found Mazatrol to be very user friendly, even starting from scratch. Philabuster's videos and this forum have been wonderful.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

 

[DBcooper]

Awesome, thanks for the input!

 

[BOB-OO]

For turning Mazatrol is very fast and simple, you will look differently at your other controls once you get comfortable. I find that vs Fanuc the mitsu/mazak controls are a few less keystrokes and more intuitive, but that's just my opinion.
I would look for "fusion" or newer-late90's to mid 2000's, it has a win95 pc and parts are easy to get, older controls are simpler and serviceable but those parts are pricey and although mazak/mitsu supports everything it can get to "not worth fixing" status quickly.

 

[CarbideBob]

Friends do not lead friends into the Mazatrol world.
It is great and so seductive.