[gibsoni]

Hi guys.

I understand Yama Seiki is a different name for Goodway in the U.S.

Do any of you have experience operating Yama Seiki lathes? Are they any good?

I am looking at a GCL-3 model mid- 90's (I think) lathe with live tooling.

Appreciate any comments about these machines.

Gibsoni

[ifixcnc]

We have 6 and they are a good machine for the price. Because nobody knows the name, the used machines can be bought really cheep. In the US Goodway is old Yama Seiki. Just like any other machine that age make sure you can hear it run. Spindles and ballscrews can cost you more then you saved.

[gibsoni]

Thanks for the reply ifixcnc.

I have not got experience around CNC's so am not very familiar with the sounds a ball screw should make.

Is it obvious to a general mechanical minded machinist that something is not right? Should they be very quiet? If I get the owner to run both axis without the spindle running should it be obvious enough (quiet enough)?

Do main spindles sound obviously noise when there's an issue about to present itself?

Thanks again for your reply.

[ifixcnc]

There should be no rough sound, or feel of vibration. Have them run the spindle up to top speed, and then use the over ride to slow it down to 50%.
Rapid both axis and if ether one sounds different that would be a problem. Axis should make almost no sound. If they are making good parts with it then you are probably OK.
Best of Luck!