I bought a PP last year and mine works about 95%. There are some tweaks I'd like done, but the PP author has not responded to emails since April so I'm assuming I've got what I've got. Those tweaks aside, I'm running production jobs with no significant issues related to my post processor.
Some advice to prospective buyers:
The Fanuc programming manual from Emco is terrible. It's missing information about quite a few functions and had multiple, multiple mis-translations from German/Austrian. It also has multiple errors in the G-code descriptions, primarily for the live-tooling functions. If you try to run any of the 'demo' programs that came with the original control software CD (and floppy!), it'll throw up or error out because the G-codes Emco included don't match the actual control. It's really that bad.
Remember - this isn't actually a Fanuc control. It's Emco's WinNC software that just looks like Fanuc. That means all the parameters & machine settings are hidden inside a WinConfig program on the Windows 7 (or XP) PC and none of the standard Fanuc troubleshooting is valid. Emco will not provide a service manual, much less a document describing any of the settings or adjustments. And there's nobody left at Emco-USA who has worked on these machines and knows anythign about them. I've been directed to retired employees by Emco when begging for help.
I believe (but have no first-hand knowledge), that the Siemens versions were much better supported and documented. The programming manual is twice as long, and appear to have far fewer German-to-English mis-translations.
The Fanuc 21TB can't rigid tap with the main spindle, although I believe the Siemens can. The problem is that while the Z-axis can be synchronized to the spindle, the 21TB control does not keep the tool synchronized once the Z-axis reaches programmed depth. During decel, reverse, and acceleration the Z-axis doesn't move - breaking the tap. If you're looking at a 21TB you'll need to get tap holders with axial length compensation (both extension and retract).
The live tooling can rigid tap, but you're limited to an ER16 collet for live tools as that's the only collet size available for axial and radial live tool holders.
VDI16 holders are rare and expensive. Ebay has nothing used, and the 2 or 3 US distributors are very expensive. There are a couple vendors in Germany (and also in Europe generally) who have holders at much more reasonable prices. Also, VDI16 are more limited in available types - drill chucks, rotary broaches, etc. aren't made in VDI16. The standard turning tool holders are not a problem.
The spindle nose is a rare size - and a straight spigot Euopean style. The original 95mm Rohm chuck is no longer in their catalogue, although they do have 100mm chucks which may fit. Rohm stuff is nice, but insanely expensive.
Chuck jaws are mounted with a fairly rare 1.5mm 90-degree serration. None of the usual soft-jaw suppliers carry jaws, and the only source I've found is Rohm. They also appear to have stepped hard jaws that fit but I was quoted $1200US for a set of three jaws. Not three sets.
I'm very happy with the 325-II's performance, but suggest you not buy one unless it comes loaded with tooling and/or accessories. And never buy one without seeing it run unless it's offered at scrap prices. If the computer is dead, or any of the panel control buttons are dead or flakey, it's toast. There are no more panels/buttons available from Emco, nor is the ACC (real-time computer in back). And even if you happen to score an Ebay panel and want to switch from Fanuc to Siemens - Emco won't sell a license key anymore.
I don't know of any other lathe in this size/weight class as capable as a 325-II, but it's really a white elephant. It holds insane tolerances, but once it breaks it'll become an aggravating hobby getting it to work again.
Sorry for the long post, but thought you (or anyone else) might appreciate a real-world opinion from a 325-II owner.
