[hmaxa]

Hi All. We have a Eumach MC-800P at work, with no machine manual. The controller is a Heidenhain 426, and we have some info on it, but nothing that helps with this problem.

Occasionally, when the spindle is commanded to turn (either for cut operations, or for tool change), the machine stops with an error like "Spindle Drive Failure". The error can only be reset by powering off the machine. I think this might be a drive problem, but it seems intermittent - I have seen the spindle running at various speeds in both directions, and performed tool changes.

I can find very little on this particular machine, so if anyone out there has any advice - please.. (Oh - I have wiring diagrams too). - I'm not 100% sure of the wording of the error - I'll have to check this and come back.
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Further info - The actual error message is "Spindle driver not ready"
The spindle is free to turn - I can turn by hand easily. At the point when it is commanded to turn, you can hear the motor kick in for a fraction of a second, just before the error comes up.

[hmaxa]

OK - I think I found the problem.
Seems the error occurs if you try and start the spindle without a tool in it.