Re: new listmember

[Drew Rogge <drew-at-pixar.com>]

Hi Clarke,

We have a RF-45 here at work although it hasn't been CNC'ed and probably
won't be. I'll second Tim's advise about getting a 3 phase machine and
a VFD. That's what we're running and it works out pretty nice.

As far as the RF-45 ever coming close to a Series I goes, I don't think
it's going to happen. The machine just isn't any where as ridged as a
Bridgeport. If you look closely at the column it's pretty small. I also
made the mistake of buying the sheetmetal base that is sold along with
the machine and it's a piece of junk. You'd be better off welding up
your
own.

There's another machine out there called a GEM-500 which is similar to
an RF-45 but looks a bit more rugged. I don't know of any place in the
states which sells them but Busy Bee in Canada does.

If you haven't joined the CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO group at Yahoo.com yet, you
might want to give it a try. There's at least one person there who has
CNC'ed a RF-45 and another one who's in the process of CNC'ing a
GEM-500.

Welcome to the group,

Drew


Tim Goldstein wrote:
> 
> 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
> >
> >

-- 
Drew Rogge
drew-at-pixar.com