The New CNC Mill Arrives!

[danielbriggs]

will it fit in the clio? if so then deal

Con, it is about the same size and weight as the Clio.

Will that be running via Mach3? Have you used Mach3 before?

Yes, it is currently running Mach3
I have looked at Mach a while ago, but never used it for any "production" use (just configuration at the time), so there will be lots of learning involved.

Also what CAM software are you going to use?

I have bought a copy of SprutCAM Pro; that in itself is another can of worms that I need about 10 years to try and master.
http://www.sprut.co.uk/
http://www.sprutcam.com/

Did the Roland use its own software? Or Mach3? I'm real interested if it's your first time as I haven't used it either and will be keen to watch the learning process.

The Roland did use its own HPGL control language (read: fancy plotter). I did use Mach3 a bit when converting and setting up a lathe; but it is still very much an unknown to me.

Im pretty clear about the CAD and the machining side of things, but the CAM steps in between are still a mystery.

Probably best not to bring it to a LEM, you're bound to get chafe from everyone trying to dry hump your leg

@LEM: Hehe!
I think for most things you could get away without a mega CAM package. I got the Mach3-Addons package and those are excellent for doing simple jobs (and probably quicker than firing up some CAM software doofer to make the tool paths).




Well if you're going down the Mach3 route, we should help each other out on getting up to speed with it all.

[Jem]

That's a beauty Dan, looking forward to see what you make with it

[kitatit]

Thanks Dan That's great info!

An NC mill is definitely in my future but not for a long time I think. I'm renting too and in close proximity to neighbors as well. Space, noise, power,expensive, the usual impediments to our world domination plans

The Syil machines I was looking at offered control via Mach3 or Siemens industrial control. I don't understand enough yet to know the pros and cons of each route.

If you are't already onto it, have a look at www.cnczone.com there is heaps of info on Mach3.

Thanks for the screen shot. It will be fun exploring what's behind those buttons.

[chad]

Congrats! You think laser stuff is costly...

Couple of suggestions.

End mills. Stay away from the boxes of mills. They all suck. Just buy a good carbide uncoated when you need it. It will last much longer and cut better.
Coating, stay away from anything yellow for aluminum.
For aluminum you want 2 or three flute. 4 Flute and more is generally for steel.
Never try to mill with a drill chuck. It will ruin the chuck and not mill well.
Speeds and feeds. Aluminum go as fast as the spindle will go then adjust your feed accordingly.
Get a good ($100.00) set of dial calipers to go with your digital. digital ones round to the nearest .0005" ( don't remember what the metric is).
Get at least one, say 10mm gauge block. It will provide a reference and also make setting 0-Z easier.
Coolant, I use Blasocut 2000 Universal. Keep it rich.
If you don't have one you will need a dial indicator to tram in the vice and head if it has any adjustment. something like this: http://www.amazon.com/2-way-Horizont...d_sim_sbs_hi_6

Mach is great software. If you have any problems let me know. I am familiar with it http://www.machsupport.com/forum/ind...pic,627.0.html

Chad

[White-Light]

Wow that's one serious lathe there Chad!

@ Dan, at Uni you should be up all night drilling girls not aluminum!

Nice lathe though.

[smogthemog]

Al, Those are as much 'Lathe's' as I am Ron Jeremy!

[danielbriggs]

@ Dan, at Uni you should be up all night drilling girls not aluminum!

Nice lathe though.

Girls dig CNC's.

No comment @ the machine's ability to "lathe".

[danielbriggs]

Couple of suggestions...

Thanks Chad!
The cutters I have on order *still* () are designed for aluminium; 2-flute, 45˚ helix and all that. Hopefully they should be ok.
http://www.cutweltools.co.uk/home/mi...illing-cutters
I can't see me making much in steel, except for a couple of fixtures.

Re: Drill chuck; yep!
I've got a few Clarkson Autolock and DA collets to use; its just that the tool holders are nightmare to find any more of (BT35)
I think I'm going to make some more in the long run, as having a rack of collets with all the tools in would save the hassle of resetting the TLO each time one is swapped. For now, 6 is fine.

Thanks for the rest of the advice.
That's a mega rig you built there.


On the shopping list:
- Face mill
- Tapping head
- Electronic 3 axis touch probe

[White-Light]

Love it! 15 characters

Al, Those are as much 'Lathe's' as I am Ron Jeremy!

[p1t8ull]

wow that's one serious lathe there chad!

Nice lathe though.

lathe?

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