Resource for old machinery information

[RobWard]

I hope this is the right place to ask:

Are there any resources (preferably on line)for finding out information about old machinery.
I've just aquired an old automatic sawing machine, an Adige Elletropneumatic (That's the way it's spelt on the casting). I think the model designation is EP/48.

Adige have no documentation for this machine as they lost a lot of literature when they were bought out in the 80's apparently.

The UK sales office very kindly contacted Italy to see if they could help, but they couldn't find any for this "mythical" machine (as they put it!)

Anyway, I'm having some problems getting the automatic cycle to work, athough in manual mode all the mechanical parts seem to be functioning ok, and I'd like to try to get it running without having to rip out all the electrics and jam in a logic controller.

So if anyone knows anywhere where I might be able to find som information about this 1960's contraption I'd be very grateful.

Many thanks,

Rob

"I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go past." Douglas Adams

 

[DAVIDSTECKER]

If it is for sawing wood, you might try Old Wood working Machines at

http://www.owwm.com

 

[RobWard]

Thanks, but I think it was for sawing aluminium or brass, looking at the speed of the blade.
(I'm going to have to slow it down to chop mild steel)

Actually it's a shame that I don't have the time or justification to spend to much money on it, as it looks like it would be a relatively simple, but interesting job to replace some of the pneumatics with electric linear actuators and have a go at making it CNC, but for now I'll stick with what I've got and try to repair it.

Thanks for ryhe suggestion anyway,David.


Rob

"I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go past." Douglas Adams

 

[griffengm]

Rob,
I apologize in advance if this is a bit simplistic.
From your description it sounds like the auto controls may involve air logic. Have you attempted to track down the component manufacturer?

Griffy

 

[DAVIDSTECKER]

Some times I have had to make my own schematic diagrams of the controls then try and figure out how the logic should work, then start to trouble shoot the machine.
It's amasing what some maintance personal will do a machine.

 

[RobWard]

Hi griffengm.

Actually it's all 24V controls with electropneumatic valves.
There's no logic controller, or timer circuit. It all seems to be done via 6 contactors and a bunch of limitswitches.
Unfortunately the wiring is so old the cable markers have perished and tracing the wiring is not terribly easy.

I reckon that the fault must be pretty minor, probably something to do with a limit switch, but all the ones I've found test out OK.

That said, I had to get the old electrician to have a look just to verify that the overload was actually just that.
I've never seen one like this.
Two phases have coils which swing armatures up against gravity and if they swing hard enough the contacts are broken and the contactor de energises.
Big and old, and really quite fascinating, in a slighly scarey sort of way!

Oh well. I'll just keep plugging away testing each bit as I find it.

Thanks anyway,

Rob

"I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go past." Douglas Adams

 

[RobWard]

Davidstecker:

I know what you mean.
I've adjusted a Bowden cable to get one limit switch working (I'd tested the switch OK but hadn't spotted that the cable that actuated it wasn't moving correctly)
and that has introduced a bit of "logic" into the manual operation side, in that it will now trip the motor rather than let you operate one of the four moving parts in the "wrong" sequence.

Makes me think that I'm getting closer.
Oh for a wiring diagram!

"I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go past." Douglas Adams

 

[RobWard]

Well, if anyone's interested: SUCCESS!

One of the contactors read high resistance on the coil.
They're so old you can open them up and stick in a differeny voltage coil, so I checked the coil out, and realised that it's own contacts were dirty. Quick wipe with emery, and a final adjustment of one of the limit switches, and POW!
She's Alive!

Always nice to fix something (and know why it's fixed, not that you just put it back together and it works).

Thanks again for your replies.


Rob

"I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go past." Douglas Adams

 

[sacem1]

Congratulations, I know the feeling 'cause I've put to work several abandoned machines myself.

Patience and a little luck will do the trick, but most of all never dismay, if it once worked it must be able to do it again.

Cheers

SACEM1