What Do I Have???

[hillestadj]

Hi there,

First post, please bear with me. We have a machine located in our school shop that we are looking for information on before deciding its fate. I don't know many specifics but here what I know:

1. Its been in the district since 1998 +/- a year or so
2. It has been run, 2 instructors ago, within the last 3-4 years
3. Currently not hooked up to a computer and no idea what software it was running or where it may be
4. Its a floor space monster

Can you clue me in on what we've got here? Assuming we have nothing in the way of software to run it, what would we need to get it humming? What might that cost? If it is decided we would like to remove it from the shop what, if any, value would it have?

Thanks in advance.

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/b462/hillestadj/Shop%20Machines/IMAG0674_zpsfhjhoswl.jpg (http://s1046.photobucket.com/user/hillestadj/media/Shop%20Machines/IMAG0674_zpsfhjhoswl.jpg.html)

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/b462/hillestadj/Shop%20Machines/IMAG0675_zps6zq0hqmj.jpg (http://s1046.photobucket.com/user/hillestadj/media/Shop%20Machines/IMAG0675_zps6zq0hqmj.jpg.html)

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/b462/hillestadj/Shop%20Machines/IMAG0676_zpsqkadoccx.jpg (http://s1046.photobucket.com/user/hillestadj/media/Shop%20Machines/IMAG0676_zpsqkadoccx.jpg.html)


http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/b462/hillestadj/Shop%20Machines/IMAG0718_zpsqs8ksuw5.jpg (http://s1046.photobucket.com/user/hillestadj/media/Shop%20Machines/IMAG0718_zpsqs8ksuw5.jpg.html)

[bob_dodd]

That is a Shopbot model "PR 4896" follow the grey wires from the stepper motors , there should be a Shopbot control box (looks like a computer tower) if you have that , then you just need a computer that runs DOS , I think that is what it runs on ,, Best bet call Shopbottools and ask for Frank , he will help you out

[myxpykalix]

What do you have?...looks like a boat anchor to me! Just kidding. The thing about these shopbots is even though it is older it will run just as good as a newer one. There should be some numbers on the control box that you could call Shopbot with and they probably identify exactly what model/version of software you have.
There are various software versions online that they could tell you to download so you could hook it up and get it going. Your first call should be to them...

[Greencarvings]

First of all, let me say it would be a damn shame to get rid of a CNC out of a shop class.

I have been trying to get one in the school for years.

What would you need? $2000 vectric software, such as Aspire, or one could go cheaper with V-carve.

As long as the shop bot control box is there, an old cast off computer and the vectric software is all that you need.

Value???? What are these going for now a days guys? $7000????

[waterwheelman]

I have the same vintage machine. It has been upgraded with a new controller and software. It works fine. Does every thing that a new machine would do.
Trying to use it with the original controller and DOS operating system would be a royal head ache in a shop class. Talk to ShopBot about updating the controller.

[hillestadj]

Thanks gentlemen. I guess I'll look into a new controller box and software before doing anything and see how cost prohibitive that might be.