Machsupport Forum
General CNC Chat => Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) => Topic started by: lemo on March 30, 2009, 11:16:01 AM
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I finally had the time to make my 4th axis. It's pretty feisty. All heavy components so I can suspend a log in between....
There was no space in the cabinet for the machine for the 4th axis. So I made an external power supply, and bolted the gecko right onto the frame for cooling.
Now it's completely mobile. Power and step and direction and it runs. Thirteen steps per degree gives me plenty of accuracy.
A few days later I finished the equally feisty tail stock. MT3.... I have a 'regular' life center, a life chuck, and a life spur for it. All work great.
The little Gecko got a cover in the meantime. Just in case I mill some AL....
For wood... I would not really care if the gecko becomes a tad dusty.
The 1.5" steel rod is supported by two angled roller bearings which sit in three inch thick aluminum blocks.
If that get's bend... I don't want to be around and see why!
(http://www.onesmall.com/stuff/shop/headstock.jpg)
(http://www.onesmall.com/stuff/shop/tailstock.jpg)
(http://www.onesmall.com/stuff/shop/4axissample.jpg)
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Yee Haa ! Looking real good there Lemo.
Anxious to see your first work of art with it.
Great job,
RC
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That is a beast, great job, now you can engrave truck axles too - ;)
Dave
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That certainly is 'Mighty Meaty Matey' - nice job.
Tweakie.
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Thanks for the kind remarks. The beefy design originalted from the chuck and lazyness... The chuck has a 1Inch 8TPI chread on the back. So i went and looked if I can get a pre fab shaft. And there it was... The next thing were the bearings for it... those are not small either. And then there was that ebay offering for the aluminum for a very reaonable price. The rest is the old Lego System Machining trip and there wee go.... Spiral stuff all over the house 8)
Rainer
Btw: Here is a sample of what I routed last night:
(http://www.onesmall.com/stuff/vraywood8.jpg)
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That is just incredible, if you ever do any video, that would be fantastic to see -
Thanks,
Dave
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Would that have been the 1st April last night ? ;D
Tweakie.
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Alright alright.... I did not mill it... It's a computer render.
But I created the scene and rendered it, so I don't feel to bad haha.
I do a lot of product depictions for a living and this fooled many people.
But in any case, this is my desired end result.
I'm saving for a 5th axis and then it's time for this puppy to be milled.
I got the tool path already.
Cheers
Lemo
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Looking forward to seeing the end result Lemo. I think that the final finishing and polishing will take some hours to get anywhere near to the finish on that render.
Tweakie.
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I have a little flap sander. That makes a quick job out of that. Sharp ridges would be a sanding nightmare....
L
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Really neat Lemo.
Looks like maple.....birds eye ?
Would require a very stable, close grained species, right ?
Just for perspective, what is the OD ?
Thanks,
RC
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Marcel would have you make one 1" OD with a dinky one just like it free and floating in the center. :o
What a challenge THAT would be ! :P
Thanks,
RC 8)
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.......also, may be able to put it in a tumbler or vibrator finisher for part of the polishing.
jat,
RC
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Actually, the 1" od with a couple of dinky ones floating in the middle is not an issue if it can be ABS.... There is a 3D printer which can do that without any problems.
But of course... the real thing is to CUT it out. Not build it up layer by layer in a rather boring process... No chips, just a wif of smelly plastic... Makes it look and feel chinese.
Gotta be wood or metal. Otherwise it has no value.
R
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So.......what size are you making yours and out of what material/species ?
Thanks
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Maple, about 12-16 inches od.
R
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NICE......anxious to see it done !
Thanks Lemo,
RC
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I am sure it will be quite stunning when it is done. When are you going to make a start on it ?.
Marcel would have you make one 1" OD with a dinky one just like it free and floating in the center.
What a challenge THAT would be !
Thanks,
RC
I think that Marcel is the one and only person who could make one that small RC.
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You're probably right Tweakie, I could hack out a 6' one with my chainsaw :D.
Be nice to have in the playground for the kids to climb on.
Be hard to find a piece of maple that big though. ::)
RC
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Be hard to find a piece of maple that big though. ::)
Glue up is your friend! Lot's of glue up I might add haha.
Might buy a good planer as well.... Would not be cheap either.
But you would have chips for three heating seasons.
R
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Hi Lemo,
Thought I would try your thingy in aluminium. Got the outside done, now to work out the code for cutting the inside. There is definitely going to be some sharp ridges I think.
Tweakie.
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It's a start! I'm a big step forward to my 5th axis and that will do it. Next week the software will be finished to generate the tool path.
It's a scary part 8)
Rainer