Opinions on older Hass Mill

Another machine. A 1990 VF1 wasn't worth very much even when it was new. What you might want to do is check the total hours and condition of the machine in general and then go by a HAAS HFO and look over a new one and compare the diferences. That would tell you what has been changed over time as HAAS went through their learning curve.

Just a thought.

JC

My boss is always looking at used machinery, and he said that over a 10 yr old machine just isn't worth it.. Depending on what your doing with it of course..

but I would agree with John, check it out, then look at a new one.. Keep in mind, a brand new VF1 can be had for ~$47k.. That of course is stock, add features and up goes the price..

Probably is quite wise to stay away from ~19 year old 10 year throw away machines.

What are you going to mill with it?

If you're not milling aluminum or plastic you're much better off with an old Matsuura.

I have yet to figure out why Haas machines hold their value so well.

Jon Banquer San Diego, CA

Old Matsuura's can be a great addition to a shop depending on what their milling.

Jon Banquer San Diego, CA

Problem is with old Matsuura's (and every other old machine out there) is when they break down (spindle drive, ect.) they cost a fortune to fix. I know of more than one that went to scrap (or became part machines) because of this....they don't make the parts anymore, so they have to be retro-fitted. new spindle drive for a 760 w/ a yasnac MX series control will run $8000~$9000.

There is no problem if you factor this in to your initial purchase. We did replace the spindle in a Matsuura 760 V and it did cost aprox $9,000. We paid $6,000 for the machine. It's been running constantly for the last 3 years and hasn't needed another penny. After years of use there is still no significant wear on the hardened and ground box ways. The balls screws have some wear but for what we paid this is to be expected. This is a 1980's Matsuura 760 V. If it was a Haas it would be in the junk yard.

Jon Banquer San Diego, CA

Damm, Now I gotta go out to the shop and shut my '93 VF0 down and send it to the junk yard!!! Just cuz Jonnie said so! It's been running that 4340 job for only 2 years now! Dammit! Dammit! Dammit! Stupid HAAS's

Talk about something you actually know something about!!

On topic, get ANY machine checked completely before putting the money on the table.

"D"

Didn't Haas get sued by Hurco a few years back for software infringement?

HOLDZEM=A9=AE its the best thing since sliced bread ages 5-95 All CNC guys can use a Holdzem!

IIRC Yes he was sued by Hurco and lost. Haas didn't like it so he decided to get his money back through tax fraud, led to his conviction and a stay in prison.

Tom

So you gonna cut and run without answering any questions about what you really need?

If you need cheap and want to work on your own machine this can be discussed.

Really would help to know what kinds of materials you mainly will be cutting with this machine.

Jon Banquer San Diego, CA

The machine has new control boards,seems a Haas service tech fried them and they had to eat it,new X axis motor and is wired and ready for 4th axis.general condition is reasonable and the price is $5k.The current owner of this machine has just brought a new VF2 and a Haas lathe,and needs space.My probably warped thinking is if he is staying with Haas then this particular machine has probably been reliable,especially as it was purchased used in the first place.I will be using it for small parts,tooling fixtures and protoypes,mostly Alum.I plan on bringing work I currently sub out back inhouse and run it my Mighty Comet. I looked at a new Haas Minimill2,and VF1, my credit is not great and I can't come up with the 50% down needed for a new machine.

Does that answer your questi> >

Go for it, my '93 VF0 is/has been a creampuff, well taken care of, and still working well after 3+ yrs in my posession. In fact, it is running 4340 right now, 1.5 dia Ingersoll, 4 flute insert (AOMT 120408) cutter at 1000 rpm and 20. ipm .150 deep cuts, profiling approx 3/8 cutter width ratio, running fine. Not bragging, just pointing out that it is still a good machine, (handled properly), and oh yeah, it don't drop tools, and the oil gage works fine!!

"D"

Who's "we"? Your high tech mega corporation employer is using 20 year old, $6,000 Matsuuras alongside the tool dropping Haases?

At $5,000 you could always strip it for parts and put the good parts into another beater Haas. I don't think your thinking is warped. I think it's a logical conclusion to make in this case. If for some reason this deal doesn't go down you might also want to consider a FADAL if you aren't afraid to work on the machine yourself and especially if you can convince someone like SVL to help you with it.

For the time being Haas CNC machines seem to command top dollar. Not sure why but hopefully this will change as Haas Automation is forced to cut prices because of very slow sales.

Jon Banquer San Diego, CA

Jon,

Ok so you're saying it's a good idea for the OP to buy 2 ea. 19 year old Haas VF-1's at $5,000 each, spend $2,500-$5,000 moving them, pay a repairman $2,500-$5,000 to strip one to make the other operational or do it himself if the OP is capable for ?? his hourly rate is. Keep in mind that doing so AT BEST he still only ends up with an operational two decades old machine for.

Your recommendation Jon, the one you say "it's a logical conclusion" is already at are near the cost of a NEW HAAS Tool Room Mill, 2/3 cost of NEW Mini-Mill and nearly half the cost of a NEW VF-1. AND the OP already stated he didn't have the money for a 50% down payment on a VF-1.

Tom

If you want to take the chance on a used machine that old that's OK just don't go throwing good money after bad if it turns out to be a POS.

If you don't already have work holding, tool holders and tooling whatever you spend on the machine you will probably spend as much or more getting the machine moved, installed, tooled up and ready to go.

Tom