WTB VMC ,4020 Fadal or Similar

[goldenfab]

Looking for a 4020 Fadal or similar. I'm located in central AZ. I do mostly prototype work on a CNC knee mill with R8 collets and I need something with a tool changer.
Will consider a fixer upper. I'm not opposed to an older good piece of iron that needs a control retrofit.

 

[triumph406]

You don't need a control retrofit unless your doing very complex 3D durfacing and time is an issue. I have -4 controls, and it's more then adequate for complex 3D surfacing.
The -5 is better, but I've had no desire to upgrade.

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If I did it all over again I'd be inclined to get the 4020A linear rail machine. I have machines with Turcite and I'm dreading the day I might have to replace the Turcite. With linear rails it's a weekends work at best.

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get a fixer upper if all it needs is thrust bearings. When it starts getting into Turcite/lead screws /spindles etc it will start to add up. Unless it's a steal ($2-3K)

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Make sure it has the extended Z, you'll be cursing to high heaven if you don't, especially if you add a 4th axis to the machine

 

[Brian]

Two of them listed in Tempe https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/tls/d/tempe-fadal-mill-x2/7518709615.html
There was also another nicer looking machine listed in Tucson, but it seems to be gone.

 

[goldenfab]

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Thanks for the advise.

Two of them listed in Tempe https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/tls/d/tempe-fadal-mill-x2/7518709615.html
There was also another nicer looking machine listed in Tucson, but it seems to be gone.

Thanks Brian, I happened to call about that one and the phone number is disconnected and they haven't replied to my email. I'm guessing its a scammer.

 

[triumph406]

There's a Fadal thread by Speedie that has a lot of fadal details

Speedie's Fadal reality checklist (pre 2014)

Compiling a list of Fadal reality checks for newbies and seasoned buyers 1. Their are no new Fadals between 2007 and 2014 2. Any Fadal with a silver control pendant is no newer than 1993 (reman does not mean it is newer than 1993 period) 3. Any used Fadal may need the following reguardless of...

www.practicalmachinist.com

 

[Brian]

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Thanks for the advise.


Thanks Brian, I happened to call about that one and the phone number is disconnected and they haven't replied to my email. I'm guessing its a scammer.

Talk to Marty, he knows of a couple in CA....

 

[LCF-SM]

I have a Fadal VMC 4020 for sale. I'm out in Salem, VA. It is a 1995 and in good shape. PM me if you are interested.

 

[goldenfab]

I have a Fadal VMC 4020 for sale. I'm out in Salem, VA. It is a 1995 and in good shape. PM me if you are interested.

Right now I'm trying to find something within driving distance. If that changes I'll let you know.

 

[LCF-SM]

Right now I'm trying to find something within driving distance. If that changes I'll let you know.

Sounds good, let me know if anything changes.

 

[Element 74]

I have a 97 4020 HT with the 28” Z I need gone. I’m up in Washington so kinda driving distance. It would be perfect for a Nxgen control as all the mechanicals are good it just needs a control. I posted in the Fadal forum with more info.

 

[goldenfab]

Bump. I'm still in the market. I'm seeing plenty out of state but going to give it a little longer to find something closer to AZ.

 

[Element 74]

The machine had been scrapped and all I have left are parts I pulled off before it went.

 

[goldenfab]

I found a '94 Fadal 4020HT with extended 28" Z and rigid tapping. It is local and I got to see it under power and poke around with it. I removed the way covers and looked at the turcite. It has some miles on it but it seemed like a decent machine and the small shop I bought it from was neat and tidy and they seemed like they took care of their equipment and keep up on maintenance. I got some copies of maintenance records and talked to the Fadal tech who had been working on it and everything I knew to check seemed ok so I bought it. Still waiting for delivery.

Anyways I'm still waiting for that DM4500 which the more I think about it I don't need another project. I'm thinking I would be better off with a lathe or better VMC that isn't a project. This came up locally https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/tls/d/prescott-kitamura-sonic-mill-3x-cnc/7576040041.html

Any thoughts? It says its been upgraded to a 15M control. Still pretty outdated? But would run circles around the Fadal?

 

[EmGo]

This came up locally https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/tls/d/prescott-kitamura-sonic-mill-3x-cnc/7576040041.html

Any thoughts? I

If appearances count for anything, I'd be headed that way with cash in hand. Might be able to bargain down a bit but otherwise, that thing looks very very clean.

 

[goldenfab]

If appearances count for anything, I'd be headed that way with cash in hand. Might be able to bargain down a bit but otherwise, that thing looks very very clean.

Those were my thoughts too. Looks amazingly clean!

I sent the guy a message and he got back to me. Its only a half hour drive from me, its in a residential area so presumably not getting beat up running 3 shifts hence the condition. He said its making parts. I just might go check it out. The things is I don't even have parts for the Fadal to make. I technically have the cash and could swing it but I need to come up with a way to justify to myself and my wife that its a sound decision to buy a second spindle when I don't have work for one.

As far as I can tell that model is discontinued. I don't know anything about Kitamura but its a Japaneses brand right? So I'm assuming its top-tier? If anyone has any info on parts availability and such I'm all ears.

 

[EmGo]

The things is I don't even have parts for the Fadal to make.

Oops, I missed the "so I bought it" part, thought you were still looking. My suggestion then would be "love the one you're with" Go make some stuff.

You can spend the rest of your life swapping machines around, which can be fun, but not very productive. Don't ask how I know.

 

[goldenfab]

I confused myself and thought this was another thread so I'm double posted over at this one where it is more appropriate...https://www.practicalmachinist.com/...for-advice-picking-my-first-vmc-fadal.406799/

Like I said I got a Fadal 4020 so I'm no longer in the market. Mods feel free to close the thread or edit the title if you see fit.

 

[Garwood]

Buying for the sake of buying machines is a tough row to hoe. Especially if they're a project.

However, if I were in your shoes I would probably consider doing it like this- Forget that dynamechawhatever junk. If the Kitamura is as nice as it looks give it a home next to the Fadal.

Then instead of a waste of time project dynamechathing you spent a little coin on a production machine ready to rip.

The biggest reason I would buy it in your shoes would be to get a real first hand understanding of what the effective, real world difference is between a Fadal and an older nice machine. They would share tooling and the Fadal has more travel if you need it.

Then add a good mid 90's lathe, preferably with a Fanuc 15T,16T,18T or 21T so boards and drives and procedures are all swappable between it and the Kitamura for any troubleshooting/repairs you might need to do down the road.

That Kit would give you Fanuc experience, it's fast enough to run lots of parts and do high speed toolpaths easily and those controls are very well supported. Whatever lathe you buy isn't going to be a Fadal. So think about that.

 

[AlyssabeckA&M]

Looking for a 4020 Fadal or similar. I'm located in central AZ. I do mostly prototype work on a CNC knee mill with R8 collets and I need something with a tool changer.
Will consider a fixer upper. I'm not opposed to an older good piece of iron that needs a control retrofit.

Are you still interested in a fadal?I have a fadal on my floor 4020. Located in Colorado. Let me know and I can send more information