Warco WM18

I seem to be monopolising this section, sorry but my head is spinning.

Having looked at a used Warco A1S that for sale here, the Warco VMC and the Warco Super Major I have come to the conclusion that they are just too big for my workshop. Overall size and height is the problem

So I am now thinking about a WM18 with power feed to X axis and 2 axis DRO.

Just wondering if anyone has one of these and can give me some feedback about it please.

I have one ( RDG badged)

I've had it 8 years now and it works fine

I cant get anything bigger in my workshop ( stairs)

I've fitted dro's ( 3 axis) and power feed to x

power feed to the head lift

and a 2 hp induction motor and inverter and removed the gearbox

It does everything i want of it and is accurate and silentish

Thanks

Looked at your photos, How did you do the power feed to the head lift?

Edited By petro1head on 01/02/2017 12:18:48

How or why?

its just a geared parvalux motor to drive it up or down

FWIW... In the same context; I have a WM16 & apart from the spindle taper being MT2 as opposed to a MT3 & a variation in table / slot size, table travel etc. there's not a lot of difference. I've fitted a 2 axis dro & power x drive to mine, but still have manual 'Y' operation, so far both my WM16 & WM250V-F have served me most satisfactorily so can only suggest you go for the WM18 if you have the room ( usual disclaimer ).

​George.

+1 for the WM18, I have fitted the axis power feed and have the parts for the head lift a la Ian Parkin but not got roundtuit yet!

Had a problem (self inflicted) with the power board on the X axis, sorted beautifully by John Rudd.

Really enjoy using it and just starting to do more complex (for me!) jobs with some confidence.

Regards, Martin

Now you're tempting me to have a go and stick the 2HP motor I have on my WM16, at the moment i'm using a 3/4hp on it. But this is single phase not 3.

Michael W

How

Remove handle and fit motor instead and power with 24vdc via dpdt switch to change polarity to change direction

If you want me to send you a quick picture to demonstrate what this looks like "electronically" give me a PM, I've got a simple circuit lying about that does that. I'll let you know where you can get the bits to make it.

If you want to see how its fitted it mechanically speaking, you'll need to ask Ian to look at that.

Michael W

Edited By Michael-w on 01/02/2017 18:00:08