Machsupport Forum

General CNC Chat => Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) => Topic started by: CUTMORE on November 05, 2007, 12:46:28 PM

Title: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: CUTMORE on November 05, 2007, 12:46:28 PM
I Have been reading about everyone's great projects and decided to add 1 of my little projects.
I am working on converting a 4x6 metal cutting bandsaw over to a Mach controlled cutoffsaw. So far I have the Z axis working and yesterday I made a 1st attempt at a feeder for the stock. I will get to try out the feeder some time this week.

Let me know what you guys think,
Cutmore
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: ynneb on November 05, 2007, 05:16:12 PM
Thanks for sharing your machine with us.
One thing, could you make the pictures 800 wide maximum?

Regards Benny
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: CUTMORE on November 06, 2007, 06:11:58 AM
Thanks for looking Benny,
I caught the picture size after I posted the pictures. Hopefully more pictures later this week.
Cutmore
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: Chaoticone on November 06, 2007, 09:05:09 AM
Please let us know how accurate it is when finished. Member poppabear has a stand alone mach app. for a cutoff saw posted somewhere here on the forum.

Brett
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: poppabear on November 07, 2007, 08:59:48 AM
Brett,

   I think he is using my Screen, look on his laptop, that is the CNC saw screen I posted up. He did a really awesome job on that saw so far too.  I cant wait to see some vids of that puppy in action!!

Great Job CutMore!!!!!!

Scott
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: CUTMORE on November 07, 2007, 09:14:36 AM
Poppabear,
I am using your Screen. Thanks for creating that screen, so far it works great & I have not thought of anything you did not already add for functions.

Just a quick plug for Poppabear,
Poppabear Does machines for a living, If you need a custom screen for Mach or have a machine you want to do something with, contact Poppabear.

Cutmore
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach (new pix!)
Post by: CUTMORE on November 09, 2007, 07:07:05 AM
Hello,
I was able to try out the saw last night, or should I say I put off the rest of the work I have to do to try it.
After a bit of trial & error, I was able to cut 11 parts (black acetal 2-1/4" diameter by .550" long) To within .01" of each other!

The biggest variable right now is that I need to loosen my stock clamp by hand right now to relieve enough pressure for the "feeder" to work. Once I came up with a system, the repeatability was great in my eyes. The "system" that worked for me was for feeding the clamp handle was @ 6:00 and for cutting the clamp was @ 3:00.
Some sytem Huh? Well I definitely have a lot of things to add but at least I know I am not off my rocker, at least with this idea!

I made a video but even zipped it is 5 meg so I can't post it. Any one interested let me know I'll send it. It is not an action film at 6"/min feedrate but it is making parts!
regards,
Cutmore
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach(more pix)
Post by: CUTMORE on November 09, 2007, 07:10:01 AM
Hey,
 I thought I attached these too so I will try again,
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: JHChoppers on November 09, 2007, 11:39:16 AM
Nice Job! 

Sounds like Mach3 can automate just about anything! This is something that I could use. 

Thank cutmore and pappabear
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: poppabear on November 09, 2007, 02:19:25 PM
CUTMORE,

   That is too cool!!!!! Thank you for the pics!!!

Scott
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: ardor on November 12, 2007, 04:26:42 PM
If you need better accuracy, you might set up a retractable stock stop.
I cut to +/- 0.002

ardor
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: CUTMORE on November 13, 2007, 02:19:05 PM
Quote
Posted by: ardor 
Insert Quote
If you need better accuracy, you might set up a retractable stock stop.

Ardor,
Do you have a feeder or just manually feeding the stock & clamping with +-.002 accuracy?
Cutmore
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: ardor on November 13, 2007, 05:10:11 PM
 
Quote
Ardor,
Do you have a feeder or just manually feeding the stock & clamping with +-.002 accuracy?
Cutmore

Here's what it look likey.
Chain driven rollers feed the stock.
Stock hits the stop,turns stock feed off, &  triggers downfeed.
Down to limit, up we go.
Up to limit, stock feed starts.
Etc. etc.
(Heavy duty mounting for adjustable stock stop)

ardor
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: CUTMORE on November 14, 2007, 07:22:00 AM
Ardor,
Thanks for the pictures,
I had thought about using a switch as a feed stop originally. The feeder is along the lines I was originally thinking too but after using my set-up the other day I am going to make a belted conveyor so I can cut down to to as short as possible. My main reason for making the feeder is that i cut hundreds of 1/2" long parts at a time and the material is 16-20 bucks a foot.
What brand is the saw you have? That does not look like a home brew feeder, but if it is you made a heck of a beefy set-up!
Regards,
Cutmore
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: ardor on November 14, 2007, 02:02:14 PM
The brand is Pehaka.  German made.  I've had it for 30+ years.  Got is used.  Still cuts like the day I made the 1st cut.  So far I've had to replace one relay.  It has had some pretty heavy use, running production 24/7 months on end.  Every now and then I check to see if I could get parts, they are still making these battleships.   Damn.

ardor
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: CUTMORE on November 21, 2007, 06:49:37 AM
Ardor,
Thanks for the pictures,
I used my set-up last weekend with a new prototype feeder and a hard stop. I cut 126 pcs. without having to touch the saw! All these were within .003" of each other.
Here is a picture of my prototype including clamps!


cutmore
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: Chaoticone on November 21, 2007, 07:01:40 AM
 :) Nice.

Brett
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: CUTMORE on November 21, 2007, 07:24:39 AM
Brett,
Thanks, Wait till I get the real feeder done.
I need to increase the blade speed as I cut tons of plastic parts. So I may try a VFD to a 3phase on the saw.
So many ideas, so little time!
And to think, I bought this saw for $80 used. Added a $25 cnc4pc c10 breakout board, 2 stepper motors and drives, a 650mhz laptop($25) Some time, and Voilla!
What could be more fun?
cutmore
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: JHChoppers on November 21, 2007, 04:34:37 PM
Cutmore,

Nice work.  BTW, what are you making with these ?

Thanks,
Joel
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: ardor on November 21, 2007, 04:44:46 PM
CUTMORE

Nice, you get 3 attaboy's.

Just remember, it takes 10 attaboy's to undo one Ooooohh sh**t.

ardor ;D
Title: Re: CNC Cutoff saw using Mach
Post by: ynneb on November 21, 2007, 04:57:26 PM
Looking forward to seeing a video of it in action. :)