Hi, gang,
Looking for advice. Will try to be brief!
Been wanting to learn hobby CNC to make PCBs and small parts for ham radio builds, etc -- not engine blocks or steam tractor parts (yet?)! I am a computer service tech (35 years), so I can handle COM and LPT ports, software in Windoze and Linux, etc, and a ham radio guy (with a reasonable electronics background). I understand milling and CNC operations from "a distance," but I have never used a milling machine other than my crappy, imported drill press (with its massive slop factor).
I just missed a Taig CNC mill, and a guy who was going to sell me a Chinese "tabletop plus" sized unit (from Tormach's R&D Dept) flaked out.
I could buy a mini mill and convert it to CNC, but I don't yet know any local CNC guys who I might coerce to help me if I get stuck. The electronics I get, but the mechanics are a complete mystery. To me, a jib (gib?) is a sail!
Anyway, as I'm sure you've all heard this story a thousand times, with minute variations, I'm thinking about buying a Dyna Myte 2400 from a seller about three hours away. The price will be between $300 and $400 (still negotiating). The seller is a veteran CNC mill op and bought the little mill from a school that was closing. He cleaned it up a bit and says that the unit spins up and the control panel can be used to "home" the spindle. He says the unit could stand additional cleaning and adjustment, but that it seems to be intact and serviceable.
Because of the distance (7 hour round trip), I probably won't drive there to just look at it. If I go I'll likely buy it and figure out what to do with it later (use it or re-sell it as is, etc).
I understand that some software can output milling instructions in the Dyna Myte's original control language. I don't know if existing software might translate between G-code and whatever the DM uses). I also understand that the existing steppers might also be usable with an updated controller, but that some guys convert the whole shebang to modern motion controls.
The working space of this little CNC is just a bit bigger than a postcard, so it's weird to see that it weights about 350 pounds! That working space is smaller than that of a Taig mill or converted mini mill, but if the process of getting it up and running DOESN'T require tons of extra cash outlay. the little mill is probably a whole lot sturdier than a mini mill. (I'm valuing my time at a very low amount, as this is "education!")
That said, do you have any advice about whether it's a reasonable thing to purchase at that price, for those needs, with my background skill sets?
Could I reasonably expect to sell it for $400 if I can't wrangle it?
As always,
Thanks,
--Kirk in Rochester, MN