Looking for opinions on the BOSS 5 machine.
Electronics are fairly irrelevant, as they have been trashed already. The current owner has all the goodies to convert it to PC control (Mach3, Gecko drives, etc).
It seems the mechanics of these machines are fairly well respected. Anything in particular I should look for?
Can the stock steppers be half-stepped with the Gecko drives? I know the BOSS6 could do that, but I don't know if that was a change in the steppers, or drivers or both.
It sounds like a pretty good deal to me, but I want to make sure of what I am getting into.
He has a BOSS 5 machine that has been dissembled and he has gone through entirely. Supposedly the power supply has been checked by Bridgeport and is good. The steppers are good. The rest of the controls are shot.
Only mechanical issue is a thrust bearing on the y axis. And the high/ low cog. Neither seem significant. (to me at least).
For electronics/software, he has 3 new Gecko drives, a touchscreen, Mach3 and some other miscellaneous interconnecting stuff. He is also offering a seat of BobCad to go with it for a price.
Which I guess brings up another question. Anyone who has used BobCad, what do you think of it? I have used GibbsCAM and Solidworks for relevent experience.
Thanks for your time guys.
JW