Fadal vmc15 alternatives?

Hi everyone,

I have a Haas mini mill as a prototyping machine in my lab at work, but I'd like to put a CNC mill in my shop at home as well, so I can spend less time away from family while I get more proficient. It would be mostly for one-offs, prototyping and learning on - nothing that looks like production.

I've been doing some research, and it looks like a fadal VMC15 would likely be my best option in terms of cost (have to keep the wife happy), reliability, ease of fixing, parts, size/weight for a home shop (5000lb-ish would be my soft limit), and availability.

In truth, a tormach 1100 would likely do everything I need but even used they are too expensive for what they are (not bashing tormach, they do fill a need but I would find it hard to justify $15k-ish for it)

What would be a reasonable price to pay for a basic VMC15 in decent condition in today's market?

Are there other alternative machines in the same ballpark I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance,

Lee

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I’m thinking 7500 for a vmc15 xt at lest 96 or newer with a calmotion box
Don


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Hi Don, Merry Christmas

7500 is about what I was thinking. eBay asking prices are all over the place...

Any idea the cost involved in adding a 4th axis and drive/wiring for one of these?

Thanks again

Lee

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Pretty expensive you need to find it already there for maybe 2 k more. I added it to a 4020 I wanted all new boards and a used rotary I spent about 6500. That was too much but I use it a lot for a product we make I hope this helps you out
Don


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Thanks Don

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No problem I like the old fadals a lot. easy to fix and run.
Don

Even Fadals are bringing good money in today's market. A lot of places are hot to trot and picking up extra machines to make money and over paying for machines. That being said, there's still probably deals out there to be had. Fadals can be all over the place because there are so many of them and the conditions can range so much. The nice thing is, you can buy basically anything you need for them, but, you are still better off spending a bit more and buying one in as nice of condition as you can. I think you could find one under 10k pretty nice at an auction or online. If you can find one local to you, that would be ideal, since it's easy to spend a good chunk on shipping and rigging. Take into account you will also need power, tooling, vises, etc. So either work that in to your budget or find a machine that includes as much as possible.

Huh... 2 days after posting this, a Clausing Kondia FV-1 with a delta dynapath control came up for sale within driving distance, at a really good price. I jumped on it, so it's now in my shop. It will do the job for now, while I keep an eye out for a decent VMC.

Thanks everyone!

Lee

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leeko said:

Huh... 2 days after posting this, a Clausing Kondia FV-1 with a delta dynapath control came up for sale within driving distance, at a really good price. I jumped on it, so it's now in my shop. It will do the job for now, while I keep an eye out for a decent VMC.

Thanks everyone!

Lee

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Click to expand...

I think I seen that on fbmp. Seemed like a decent deal. Anyway, I thought I wanted a little fadal for some smaller jobs I have, and then I went to look at a VMC10, and jesus that still a big machine, 2/3's the floorspace of my 40x24 tree! I think I'm back on wanting a brother or other small little tap drill machine.

Yep, that's where I found it. It's was a 7 hour round trip, but I think it was worth it. Seems in nice condition, at least on cursory view. There was some tooling with it too, enough to get started with. No complaints so far...

Lee

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What it’s worth the Fadal VMC15 XT would be a good machine but be prepared to do some work on one. I have found there is not perfect one for cheap. Do yourself a favor and take way covers off to inspect the rails. I found a cracked bearing truck on my Z axis which lead to even bigger issues.

Jeff

A Fadal VMC15 XT weighs in at around 6500lbs. A used Haas you could find but good luck finding parts for an older one and any kind of support. Fadal parts are still available and has a big following. I have seen FADALS going up in price as hobby folks are stepping up to the bigger machines. The money for a new or used Tormach is crazy! I would buy FADAL all day long before I would spend money on a Chinese machine.