Some impressive machining!

Definitely a programming error...These machines absolutely have no logic built into them....They do exactly what you tell them (or will attempt) regardless if they are capable..For instance....The working envelope on the machine that I run is 30x20x20. If I tell the machine that it needs to drill or rapid Z- 22.00 inches,....It will attempt to do this...(within reason) which results into a crash of sorts. Some of the newer machines may have a limited set of logic built in.....But..the phrase "Never underestimate the ingenuity of an idiot" always comes to mind.
 
Something like a standard 6,000 RPM CAT 40 spindle with steel bearings would be damaged, but still serviceable. But that sounded like a high speed precision spindle, which is precisely fitted and balanced and has things like precision ceramic bearings. They're designed to cut graphite and aluminum, and will probably not tolerate a big whump like that very well. There is a good possibility the taper is damaged, the spindle itself is bent and the bearings are toast. It doesn't take much being off to prevent you from getting up to 20,000 RPM, which is what that sounded like. A rebuild on that spindle would probably start around $15K.
 
montana guy said:
That machine makes the ol HAAS 4 axis look like a piece of junk. :) Love the HAAS though.
Click to expand...

Folks bash Haas for not being rigid enough, or not developing rated power, or otherwise being dinky. Like a face milled table rather than ground. I have swept that table with a tenths indicator, and I can profess it to be flat. A spindle rebuild (a total swap out) is under two grand, under one day, delivered. Same with ballscrews and support bearings. The Haas guy keeps most parts you would need in the van. You can swap a drive out of your Haas lathe into your Haas mill to get you going over the weekend, they're mostly interchangeable. The human ergonomics of the machine are the best in the industry. Anybody can be trained to touch off an entire carousel in a few minutes. With the spindle centered over "part zero" there is a frigin "part zero set" button.

This is why the "cheapest POS" out there has such a great resale value. Yeah, they wear out - but there is nothing that can't be replaced cheaply and with little fuss. Hell, you could about rebuild one to new condition for what the spindle is going to cost on that Makino or whatever it was.

For the class of work they're made for, they're the best thing going. :thumbup:
 
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