"Call to the machine distributor for a new moniter and it will cost $4000.00."
Exactly. Oh, uh...
No, I'm not a machinist, and I don't play one on tv. I have a burning curiousity about how to do things by myself and/or cheaply, though, and I'm a big fan of free stuff.
Not so long ago, I was going to work on a project for an acquaintance that has some aging cnc equipment. He has a Hardinge HC with a dead Bandit 1 controller. He wanted to get the lathe running, but he mentioned that parts for it were outrageous. I couldn't really believe that- the thing is ancient- I figured the toughest part would be finding any parts at all for the controller.
Well sure enough, there are parts out there. As well as whole controllers. And they are outrageous. IMO.
So yeah, being the linux-head that I am, I looked to see if anyone had put linux to work as a controller for cnc equipment. And what do ya know, someone has.
I'm quite surprised no one has mentioned this as an alternative to aging proprietary controllers. ???
Looks like 'E-Stop' knows about it. Anyone else aware of CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO mail list or linuxcnc.org?
Anyway, just a thought for ya all.
[back to lurking]
Keith J.