Thread: LeBlond Makino RMC 55

I run an FNC-60 with a Fanuc OMC control. I home the machine on every startup. If you want to can do as Triumph says, but this introduces opportunity for transcription errors on startup.

On shutdown, I leave the table at least 3" from the home position on every axis to prevent overtravels on startup.

Every startup, the first command I send the machine is

G28 X0. Y 0. Z 0.

This sends the machine to machine zero faster than using the "zero return" jog switches on the control. I'm not worried about crashes since the machine is always shut down with an empty spindle parked far from the table. If you're worried about crashes you can home Z before X and Y:

G28 Z0.
G28 X0. Y0.

Originally Posted by alienturtle

Ok cool thanks! I was given a bunch of parameter papers and a floppy disk that says backup on it. I guess im just not sure how the machine works yet so im not sure the steps to get it going. I wish there was a manual or something with a test i could do.

Thank you again for the help.

I can send you some sample programs if you want, drill/mill etc.

There's an operator manual, I'm not sure if it steps you thru setting up machine, setting tools etc. The 0m is a very common control, I wouldn't be surprised if there is a youtube video that somebody has created to aid in setting X,Y,Z etc to be able to run.

That would be awesome! Thank all of you guys for the help

So sounds like there is a few ways to do it. Is executing the command for home the same as using the buttons on the control?

Ill have to see if i can find something that goes through tool setup and stuff with the fanuc om

My email is [email protected]

Another random question. What is the air pressure supposed to be set at on the regulator on the back of the machine?

Originally Posted by alienturtle

Another random question. What is the air pressure supposed to be set at on the regulator on the back of the machine?

80psi will work, anything less you might get sluggish tool ejection.

And another random question

The rmc55 does not have a tool changer as you know. I would like to tackle as a project making an ATC. More or less a holder tray off the side of the table that the machine will get over, drop down and drop or pick up a tool. This is done a lot on cnc routers. Im not worried about making the "holder tray" or ever figuring out how to write the macro program for a tool change but im worried about the spindle orientation when it stops. CAT40 has the ears that have to line up. Do the RMC55 machines stop the spindle in the same orientation every time? Im getting a little ahead of myself as im still getting the machine up and running but i thought it was worth asking.

Thanks

No, I'm pretty sure they don't orient the spindle. Been a while since i personally ran it, but I remember marking the spindle with a paint stripe so when you manually put a tool in, we could ensure we aligned the same ear with the stripe. Boring heads repeated better that way.

Ok thanks for the help. Do you happen to know what the correct pull stud for the rmc55 is? I didnt get any tool holders with the machine. I know they are cat 40 or bt40 but i want to make sure i get the right pull stud. Thanks.

No, I haven't bought any for that machine in 15 years so I couldn't tell you. Pull stud supplier should be able to look it up without too much problem .

One thing you want to check is that all the ways are getting lube. Pull off the X-axis covers, and the blinds behind the knee that cover the Z-axis covers to make sure all ways are lubed.

The RMC55 has the way lube junctions under the ram in the most akward location possible. They use Showa units that are hard to get too.

There is a plug in the front of the machine at the very bottom in the center. It catches all the way oil and coolant that gets behind the guards. Needs to be drained occasionally. We put a 90 degree fitting and a small tray there to catch the snot. Otherwise it will eventually overflow and run all over the floor.

Originally Posted by RJT

There is a plug in the front of the machine at the very bottom in the center. It catches all the way oil and coolant that gets behind the guards. Needs to be drained occasionally. We put a 90 degree fitting and a small tray there to catch the snot. Otherwise it will eventually overflow and run all over the floor.

Are you talking about the drain for the coolant? its at the bottom of the machine center in between the level adjustment screws? I circled it in this picture. That goes into the main coolant sump. Then spills over into the coolant cart thing with the pump in it. Blue square on the left with arrow Maybe i am wrong? I havent got that far putting it back together yet.

No, the coolant normally goes into the tray then falls into the tank at the left blue arrow. The center drain is for way oil drainage (and whatever coolant gets behind the way covers). It needs to be drained periodically ,or put a fitting and a tray there.

Originally Posted by alienturtle

Ok cool thanks! I was given a bunch of parameter papers and a floppy disk that says backup on it. I guess im just not sure how the machine works yet so im not sure the steps to get it going. I wish there was a manual or something with a test i could do.

Thank you again for the help.

I've lost all the parameters of my Makino RMC 55 vmc machine. Can you please send me all the parameters including the 9000 series macros??? I really hope that you still have a backup!