Re: new listmember

["Tim Goldstein" <timg-at-ktmarketing.com>]

Welcome to the list. I personally have no experience with the Rong-Fu, but
know that there are a number of list members that have them and like them.
>From your background it sounds as if the only area you may have to stretch a
little is electrical. Other than that you sound better equipped than most.

Don't be afraid of getting a 3 phase machine. You can just connect them to a
VFD that is drawing power from a single phase 220 line and they will run
just as if you had 3 phase in the shop. Most VFD's do need to be downrated
50% for this type of use so if you have a 2 hp machine you will use a 4 or 5
hp VFD. They do not change voltage though so you need to be sure the machine
can run on 3 phase at the voltage of your single phase.

I started with a Sherline with a Camtronics controller then moved up to a
Shoptask with the same controller. I then upgraded to servos using Gecko
G320 drives and now have a Bridgeport Series II using the Gecko servos drive
and EMC. For heavy work there is no comparison between the small machines
and a series II.

Good luck and don't be shy about posting to the group.

Tim
[Denver, CO]
http://www.KTMarketing.com/CNC.html

----- Original Message -----
From: "Clarke Williams" <clarkewilliams-at-halcyon.com>
To: "Multiple recipients of list" <emc-at-nist.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, July 02, 2002 10:56 AM
Subject: new listmember


>
> Hello all.  I just joined the list.  I'm interested in adapting a Rong-Fu
> RF-45 mill-drill to CNC using the em.
>
> A little background on me:
> Mechanical Engineer
>
> 20 yrs doing PCs and computer networks professionally
>
> I have a mild programming background.
>
> I am familiar with Linux.  I can re-compile a kernel.  Very familiar with
> PC hardware at a low level (I worked at Compaq in Systems Engineering).
>
> I've never attempted anything like this before.
>
> Any feedback on the choice of the Rong-Fu RF-45 would be appreciated.  I
> have *not* purchased the mill-drill yet.  What I am looking for is
> milling/drilling performance as close to a Bridgeport Series 1 as possible
> that can be reasonably easily moved (I'm not in a permanent location yet)
> and preferably uses 1 phase 220 -- 3-phase is simply not available at my
> location.  If anyone has any info or feedback on the RF mill-drills or
> other similar machines I would very much appreciate the feedback.
>
> Any other suggestions would be very welcome.
>
> Once I get the mill-drill CNC working I'd like to do similar with a small
> 13x40 or 14x40 bench lathe.  Suggestions regarding these small lathes
would
> be welcome, too.
>
> My application is ultimately commercial (I have a transmission to 4x4
> transfer case adapter designed as well as some other products), not hobby.
>
> Thanks all!
>
> Clarke Williams
> <clarkewilliams-at-halcyon.com>
> Coos Bay, OR
> 541-266-0300
>
>