Need sinker EDM for non-precision cutting

What I need isn't so much an entire machine, as it is just the power supply and ability to hack it to fit my needs...but it's probably easiest to take the entire machine. Frankly, I think I'd rather have just an electroarc tap burner, but I'm not sure. I am making visual patterns on the surface of tungsten carbide. Similar to etching a logo on a part.

There are plenty of machines out there for haul it away prices, but I've never dug in to one of these to determine if they are user friendly enough that I'm going to be able to figure it out, without manuals, without support, etc. I have zero EDM experience. This is literally a project that is probably best suited for the "build your own EDM" type machine as then you have to know the intimate details of how each part works, but I have zero interest in another project.

I literally just want to be able to plug it in, replace the filters, electrolyte and go. I don't want fancy options or any safety interlocks or control interlocks that are going to keep the sparks from turning on. I think I just want spark time functions and proportional plunge speed?

Any suggestions for old machines not loaded with options that are bulletproof?

A tap burner would probably be your simplest option but not sure if it has enough adjustment to get your desired results...

Many of the old-school manual sinkers are fairly simple enough to get sparks flying if you just dedicate some time to learn...

I'm gonna keep this open for now...if it gets silly it will go away.

Presumeably you cant make those patterns with a laser?

No, laser will not work.

So, when looking at something like this old Hansvedt, should it be relatively easy to get going?

Fixed the link.

That is almost exactly what I want, I just don't know how much of an uphill battle I'll be fighting to get something that was made in the late 70's? working.

Hi snowman:
This is a really well worn topic that I and many others have discussed at length on this forum.
So I won't go into all that detail again but will give you the Cole's Notes version.

You will be way way better off resurrecting an old machine than you will rolling your own.
The reasons are complex but basically you need to maintain a spark gap very precisely while the spark generator pumps properly conditioned power between the trode and workpiece via the spark gap.
The mechanics to do so and the nature of the spark required demand a properly engineered device as soon as the spark gap needs to be small and precisely held, and as soon as the demands on the spark are sophisticated.

Burning carbide with any consistency demands those things.

The oldest sinkers move the ram via hydraulics and control it's position with a servo valve...these are impossible to replace and impossible to fix.

So whatever old machine you buy, it's essentially unfixable if this vital component is shot.

Those old Hansvedt SM 150 B machines used this tech, as did just about everything else until the early 1990's I believe.
So that's the single thing you need to be sure is working...the rest you can fix if you're bloody minded enough to beat your way through it.

Find a brand that still has a following and you will likely get there.
If you get lucky the process will be painless.

If you need a sure solution with no real hassles it's much safer to buy new, of course.
If you're willing to accept a crudely executed machine with no support, you can still buy a Chinese machine at an attractive price, and you can go up from there right into the stratosphere...with every price jump you buy ease of use, precision and support.

A decent alternative is to pick up a late model from a business that has gone bust...I feel that sinkers have a lifespan of about fifteen years before they are officially obsolescent, the support declines, and the small annoyances start to become troubling.
Fortunately they are mechanically simple compared to wires, so they hold up better...especially those that control the ram with either a ballscrew and servomotor, or with a linear motor.

What you mostly lose with this alternative is a ready source of hand holding while you get up to speed.
With a brand new machine you can get training, you can get service support, you can get applications support...all desirable things for a newbie.

The worst possible choice is to try to build your own or cobble some mechanical monstrosity together from the bones of an old machine and fuck around with it forever while you try to get it to do something reminiscent of what you hope to achieve.

So if you're serious, avoid Robert Langlois and Ben Fleming...fine gentlemen both I'm sure and creative talented individuals, but their offerings will disappoint in any but a hobby setting.

Cheers

Marcus
www.implant-mechanix.com
www.vancouverwireedm.com

Thank you Marcus! I appreciate the response!

The latter is exactly what I don't want to do.

Snowman,
When you get a unit up an running to etch carbide and are in need of electrodes send me a message. I have many copper tungsten and graphite used electrodes on 3R shanks 4 sale. All sorts of shapes and sizes which can easily be reworked to fill your bill. Price depends on the size and material type and start at 10.00 each including the 20 mm shank. Does not include shipping.
spaeth