Hi all,
I have recently scored a Matchmaker 700 CNC mill for free. :^)
This gives me an interesting set of challenges.
Firstly, my Bridgie has to go. So, I'm open to offers. It's in North Herts, near Hitchin. It's a 3-phase machine, with an R8 taper. I'm offering is without tooling, although I'm again open to offers on the various collets and so on that I have for it. There's a fair amount of backlash in the X and Y screws, I've been meaning to sort that out, or fit a DRO. What can I say? You get used to it...
It's got power feed on the X axis, and the power downfeed works.
It's currently powered up, so feel free to come and have a play with it if you want to see it action.
Moving it will be... interesting. I have a local farmer with a Manitou forklift who may be able to help. I also have an engine crane that will definitely help.
Now, my *other* problem. The Matchmaker seems to weigh between 1 and 2 tons, and my local machinery moving chappies seem reluctant to quote on it. Any ideas for getting it out of the factory that it's in, and into my garage? I need to inconvenience the current owner as little as possible during the move. I think I'm going to have to remove the motor to get it into the garage.
Second question, does anyone know what the power requirements for this are? I have a static converter for the Bridgie, but I think I may need something a little more butch for the new toy!