Hi all, We have a small 4 man shop, producing kitchen cabinets mostly. Recently we decided to purchase a CNC. Because we are on a budget we bought a Roc-tech machine, - Syntec controller, HSD spindle, servo motors and Becker vacuum. We are very happy with the machine and it's build quality. Because we are so new to this world I have a few questions about these things - 1 - Our HSD spindle has air blowing through it constantly. Is this normal? Only time it stops is when the tool changer activates to load and unload 2 - Setup of tool touch off device? how do we tell the machine where the device is? it changes the tool then runs right past the device and maxes out on the Y axis bumper 3 - Z- axis is in MM, y and x are in inches If we change to MM, then all three are in MM
Thank you for any info!
From contributor Br
Domenic,
Have you contacted Roctech in China or their North American representative?
Seems to me that these are all questions that should be easily addressed by their service people. (Hopefully you do not have to wait until the middle of the night to call Jinan,Shandong,China for any support.)
From contributor Do
Yes, they have been very helpful with a few issues - ie - tool changer not working etc...
With their help (and me staying up until 1 am) we have solved some stuff.
The reason I'm asking this forum is because it is a process to get answers mostly because of the language barrier.
My knowledge is not very deep at all about cncs, so I'm hoping someone can clear up whether I have a problem with the airflow or if it's normal before I contact China again.
Tool setup seems like a fairly generic thing? any educational websites I can be pointed too?
Thanks again
From contributor Br
It appears that I have received a private message from "raburch" that was probably meant for Domenic. It read:
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"I can't say for your machine specifically but, some cnc's have a small stream of air blowing out of the spindle to help prevent dust from going into it when there is no tool present."
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From contributor ri
The air flow through the spindle is common. Can't help with the other questions.
From contributor Do
OK, thanks, makes me feel better about the airflow, I guess I'll have to upgrade my compressor to handle it.
I've been online with them about the other issues. Just for everyone's info, Syntec controller simply doesn't like to be in inch mode. mm works fine. (i don't think its right, but is what it is) And they are sending me instructions for how to reset the touch off device location.
I do recommend this company for anyone who wants a 5 by 10 nesting router, with rotary tool changer, and Becker pump, landed at their shop for under 40k.
Obviously it's no Biesse or Thermwood, but comparable specs in those machines would have been easily 50k more.
The company is called Roc-tech Machinery
Cheers
From contributor Bi
Domenic you are recommending a machine that was not set up correctly from the factory. You have language barriers with the help line that can only be reached in the middle of the night? It also sounds like it was represented as being able to work in inches but really can't. I would say the bargain is wearing thin.
The spindle may be cooled by compressed air if that is the case you are going to need a much much bigger compressor. We have a machine with 2 spindles cooled that way and they are air hogs. You really need to know what CFM they draw. I would try and call the spindle manufacturer directly.
Good luck.
From contributor De
I think we should all buy machines that we can communicate within working hours! I wish we had more machines made in the USA.
