drilling-enabled edgers

**optimensch** · 10-18-2012, 07:17 AM

We do a lot of drill mounts. To date all are done manually, with "jigging" where possible, to ensure accuracy. For example we use the Lindberg manual drill with lens holding jigs, to drill those. The results are really good, the lenses align and are "mirror" images of each other, no unsightly skew.

I have tried an electronic CNC drill which was used after lenses are edged, keeping the original blocks in place. Very cool machine, HOWEVER it is gathering dust. Invariably the lens holes are clean, the right sizing, distance from lens edge etc... but the right and left lenses are not MIRROR images, there is an off axis effect. Essentially our edgers' wheels turn in one direction and so even the very slightest "kick" when the lenses are edged will result in an amplified axis error.

Sorry for all the long-winded intro.

SO. How good are the Nidek 1200 and new 900 as far as this goes? Frankly even the Nided sales rep here concurred it is a known problem and that there techs do a sort of standard "correction" in the settings to address this. Seems like a patch. That would need to take into account lens thickness, material, coatings etc...

In the field, edging and drilling hydrophobics, expensive 1.74 transition super duper HDs that cost half an arm, am I going to lose sleep? Are these machines good enough?
thanks

**mdeimler** · 10-18-2012, 08:14 AM

When Mr.Blue is working properly, it does a really nice job on ALL styles I've ever seen/tried. Best for a small volume lab, tho. 30 or less drill/day. It's pretty slow. BTW, was your drill an opera drill ?

**Mick** · 10-18-2012, 10:02 AM

I've been very please with my Optronics 7E. Easy to program and store drill points. Not terribly fast,about 5 minutes per edge and drill, but meets our needs nicely.

**optimensch** · 10-18-2012, 10:19 AM

logic drill

**mdeimler** · 10-18-2012, 10:43 AM

We had the same issues with our opera drill. It wouldn't mirror the holes like the edger can, or even like I can do by hand.

**optimensch** · 10-18-2012, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by mdeimler

We had the same issues with our opera drill. It wouldn't mirror the holes like the edger can, or even like I can do by hand.

so you do all the drilling now on Mr Blue? or are you still manually drilling? Just don't want to spend a lot on another useless add-on. I LOVE the idea of drilling on the edger but we've been disappointed in the past, the Nideks get such glowing reviews here but I'm focusing in on just the drilling aspect right now.

**Reliable Optics** · 10-18-2012, 03:25 PM

Optronics are very good machines when they properly cleaned and calibrated with the exception of high luster polish!
Cant beat the price either...

**sharpstick777** · 10-18-2012, 03:54 PM

The problem with the drill in the Optronics is that it does not fully angle.

Weco 580 is a great edger with a great drill, but with 30 degrees of angle rotation. AIT has a new smaller model, also with a built in drill. Its the fastest wet edger too.

Mr. Blue is touchy, and slow. Nideks are great machines, but pricey. Optronics leaves a cupped edge that requires hand edging after it comes off the machine. No downside to the Weco's right now as I see it.

**fjpod** · 10-18-2012, 04:58 PM

The optronics 7e is what we have been using for 5 or 6 years. Works well. The drill angle has not been a problem. I understand the newer ones have a drill that will change angles.

**Craig** · 10-18-2012, 05:09 PM

The 1200 is the only way to ensure the best work. It comes at a price that is worth the extra $$.
I have the machine and love it.
Kiss it goodnight sometimes.

**Jacqui** · 10-18-2012, 05:57 PM

You may want to check the new Optek edger too

**optimensch** · 10-18-2012, 07:05 PM

Thanks Craig. Apparently there is a new model 900 which doesn't have the step bevel feature but the drilling and all the rest are supposed to be the same. Have you seen it?

**optimensch** · 10-18-2012, 07:06 PM

Also, Craig, do you have the automatic blocker?

**optimensch** · 10-18-2012, 07:08 PM

Hi jacqui, thanks. Have a link?

**EyeManFla** · 10-19-2012, 09:51 AM

I know its not the newest kid on the block, but we got rid of our 7E for a Briot Alta.....love it

**jefe** · 10-19-2012, 10:31 AM

I think the issues with axis-related error on edgers is directly related to slippage on the edger. Like EyemanFla, I have an Alta. It does a decent job, but on a large A, small B orders, I find I must use my Less Stress drill to get the results I expect. I'm not saying there is a lot of slippage, but just a couple of degrees can make an order look bad.