Full Version: Vanguard 3000 and 3400

From: gingem [#1]
 8 Jul 2006
To: ALL

I have someone that is offering me a Vanguard 3000 & a 3400 at a very good price if I want them. Does anyone have any info on these? I really don't need them but if they are any goo I can use them a a backup. The 3400 has only about 40 hours of run time on it. I do know the person so he isn't telling stories. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

EDITED: 8 Jul 2006 by DGL

From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2]
 8 Jul 2006
To: gingem [#1] 8 Jul 2006

Bill,

I use Vanguard 3000s. There are multiple configurations.

1) Orbiter, does cylindrical items.

2) 3000LT, flatbed.

3) 3000, with workholding vise. Very versatile.

I don't know much about the 3400s.

I believe the 3400 has the ability to do cylindrical items as well as larger flat plates etc.

You'll want to know if the 3000 is using an EP module or if it's a cartridge-based system.

EP would be preferable.

Of the comments I've heard, people prefer the 3000 to the 3400.

Although out-of-production, the machines were originally workhorses and there are repair facilities, such as Quality One Engravers, who can supply parts and service.

EDITED: 8 Jul 2006 by DGL

From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#3]
 8 Jul 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2] 8 Jul 2006

I have both as backup units.

The V3000 is older and came with a cartridge controller until the very last units. It will work with an EP module which is far less prone to burnout. It has about 1/4 inch of spindle travel, really limited. Some units had the sensor sleeve cut too large and would not even touch the table with the spindle nose. I had sleeves made that would just touch the table and allow a 1/4" thick acrylic keychain fit under the nose.

The V3400 came with the EP module. I think it has a slightly greater spindle travel. It runs at about 3/4 the speed of the V3000 at max. Compared to today's machines it is very slow.

From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#4]
 8 Jul 2006
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#3] 9 Jul 2006

Harvey,

Thanks for the insight.

quote:
It runs at about 3/4 the speed of the V3000 at max. Compared to today's machines it is very slow.


Compared to yesterday's machines (pantograph) which I use fairly often, my 3000s are hammering away at the speed of sound. :-) 

With multiple, cheap, outdated (yet serviceable) workhorses, it's possible to out-produce many of today's models.

EDITED: 8 Jul 2006 by DGL

From: Mike (MIKEN) [#5]
 8 Jul 2006
To: gingem [#1] 9 Jul 2006

I had a 3400 for a short time and as I recall you had to have an old pc to run it. Maybe even DOS based. The machine looked like new but I couldn't get a pc to work with it so I sold it at a profit.

From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#6]
 8 Jul 2006
To: gingem [#1] 9 Jul 2006

Bill,

Here's a LINK to a retrofit option from Quality One Engravers for the V3000.

From: gingem [#7]
 9 Jul 2006
To: ALL

Thanks for the responses. No problem with the DOS computer if needed(they are all DOS). Guess I will have to take a real look at them and make my decision from there. Thanks Again!

From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#8]
 9 Jul 2006
To: gingem [#7] 9 Jul 2006

I do not know if this info will be useful, but if either the V3000 or v3400 has an EP module, either can be driven by Gravostyle 98. This program runs on anything from Win 95 through Win XP Professional.

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