scoobysmak
Plastic
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2021
Well I read the stickies and about the only information I can give is that I am a total new guy to CNC Mills and have zero experience. Looking at one in person from 40ft away is the best I got.
This is for my own personal use so not trying to run a shop and speed is not a huge concern. I will say automation and accuracy are a concern. Another concern is being able to fix it myself. I would estimate my repair skills slightly above average. I know how to work an Ohm/volt meter and read schematics if they are available. All these points so far have lead me to a Fadal machine. They are out of business but parts and help seem to be more common than others and it won't break the bank when it breaks.
I was looking at single phase machines but from looking if I want a higher HP motor I should probably just plan for a 3 phase machine (plus if I am able upgrade later I won't have to worry). I probably will be using 7075 for most of my parts but SS and titanium is not out of the question but probably rare.
I have been looking at the 4020 machines. I would look at bigger options such as the 6030 and up but they all seem to weigh WAY more than the 4020. This will probably be more my limiting factor since I do not have the floor capacity to hold a 30k LBs machine (not sure if that weight would be accurate for older machines). The only specs I have found for the 4020 machines is for a 4020B II. It looks like they made the 4020 from like mid 80's through at least 2017. I have seen a 4020, 4020HT, 4020 II and the 4020B II that I have a reference for. What are the differences? I assume some might be the controller, others might be AC Vs DC motors. I have no clue. Is there a model to stay away from?
I there are other machine options that fit my needs I am open to suggestions. I you have a link for older Fadal spec sheets that would be great. As a note I have not searched here yet but most used 4020's seemed to be priced from around 14-25k. Not sure if there is a recommended vendor for quality used machines.
This is for my own personal use so not trying to run a shop and speed is not a huge concern. I will say automation and accuracy are a concern. Another concern is being able to fix it myself. I would estimate my repair skills slightly above average. I know how to work an Ohm/volt meter and read schematics if they are available. All these points so far have lead me to a Fadal machine. They are out of business but parts and help seem to be more common than others and it won't break the bank when it breaks.
I was looking at single phase machines but from looking if I want a higher HP motor I should probably just plan for a 3 phase machine (plus if I am able upgrade later I won't have to worry). I probably will be using 7075 for most of my parts but SS and titanium is not out of the question but probably rare.
I have been looking at the 4020 machines. I would look at bigger options such as the 6030 and up but they all seem to weigh WAY more than the 4020. This will probably be more my limiting factor since I do not have the floor capacity to hold a 30k LBs machine (not sure if that weight would be accurate for older machines). The only specs I have found for the 4020 machines is for a 4020B II. It looks like they made the 4020 from like mid 80's through at least 2017. I have seen a 4020, 4020HT, 4020 II and the 4020B II that I have a reference for. What are the differences? I assume some might be the controller, others might be AC Vs DC motors. I have no clue. Is there a model to stay away from?
I there are other machine options that fit my needs I am open to suggestions. I you have a link for older Fadal spec sheets that would be great. As a note I have not searched here yet but most used 4020's seemed to be priced from around 14-25k. Not sure if there is a recommended vendor for quality used machines.