Now that the expansion plans have been released, I was wondering what we intend to do with the HAAS and moving to the new area. More specifically, there has been talk in the past that if DMS were to move to a different location (which isn’t happening with the expansion plan - yea!), we would sell the HAAS and replace it with a newer machine with better capabilities and (probably) lower repair/parts costs. But as part of the expansion, we’ll want to hold onto our $$ for the time being in case of cost overruns on the expansion build out.
So I’m not trying to start a flame war or anything – but what is the current thinking on the HAAS vs moving vs sell & buy replacement equipment? Because if we’re going to do something big, we probably should get moving on it soon, the expansion move will be here before we know it. And if this has already been covered somewhere, I’m sorry…
PS I really love the layout change in the shop , turning the black toolbox around and giving workspace to that equipment in the corner, that was a great idea. Really smart!
If recommendations for movers are needed, I can find out who moved the HAAS we have at work. I think they were cheap and as far as I know the move went well.
The move should be relatively cheap as far as rigging goes since it will just be lifted, on skates, moved, set down and leveled. We may to have the Shark leveled also. I would recommend we wait before replacing it. Have a capital fund drive for to replace it.
Machine Shop, like all the committees, will be responsible for their fitting costs: electrical, water, air will be provided as part of the Build Out costs but beyond that committees are responsible. Like other committees we’ll be doing something of a Fresh Start. Getting much more organized for the tooling, inspection area, an actual decent storage system for all the fasteners, committee raw materials storage, teacher supplies, etc. Plus addition of some other tools wanted but no space for.
We won’t be selling the HAAS, for all intensive purposes it is a phenomenal piece of equipment. Its primary shortcoming is its lack of memory, I would much prefer to upgrade it.
Rigging costs will be in the thousands to move it from where it is to where it needs to go, but I will be waiting for quotes.
there are some creative ways to get around the memory size. some of my files for a single tool change were in the 300k range and was able to do it.
I’m sending some info. B&M who just moved my boss’s 22,000 lb old iron CNC lathe did it with a heavy duty forklift. Considering it is not being moved across town it shouldn’t be more than just forklift time. We do have ramps afterall.
oh, and let me add we need to make sure they are insured and bonded. They drop it - they bought it.
yeah, it’s a tough one. HAAS no longer makes an upgrade for it. They say it is 3rd party available. They did supply me a number which we can find again with a phone call to them. I only found two available online at the time with prices between $3k-$5k. this only gets you a 1 meg upgrade.
The workaround is to simply post smaller programs (i.e. brocken town to tool change occurances).
That usually works and cost nothing and using the DNC mode of download allows for up to a 256K program to be run which will satisfy most use cases.
It probably doesn’t have to be HAAS that levels it. their service cost is thru the roof. Let me ask around and see who we can find that can do it less expensively. But, yes, we probably will need to have that done. Power and air will have to be in place so that the table moves.
We’ll likely need a sump pump and barrel (not the blue barrel of death) to drain the coolant tank. It’s like 50 gallons. if we don’t get some coolant for it soon I’ll be locking it out when the pH level reaches 2 %. it is currently at 4% or less and should be at 12. Evaporation will take care of the rest.
While it’s empty may be a good opportunity to degrease and deep clean. I can’t remember if the coolant pump is in the tank or not, but a good chance there to check the seals and any bearings.
