Messages

691

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: Smithy 1240 CNC and enclosure

« on: January 25, 2009, 05:41:04 PM »

How so, Sam?

The R-8 tooling is a bit longer than others, and like Dave said, once you slap a vice on it, every inch counts. If you wanted to implement a tool changer, R-8's may present a problem. I've never seen a changer for R-8's. That don't mean they don't exist, I've just never seen one. Most CNC machines use BT or CAT or similar taper. With something like an ER the collet closing ranges are also more variable than R-8. It seems there's always a drill that's to loose or tight for the collet, and if the tool slips during use, both are damaged. You could get R-8/ER tooling, but that eats up even more room. A standard R-8 collet doesn't have the gripping power of a ER collet. If using standard collets, you would also have to set your Z for each tool change. You could use solid holders, but there long, and made for one size of tool shank. So, in my personal opinion, R-8's are less versatile than others. The fact the machine is R-8 would not be a deal breaker for me. Heck, I would love to have it. For the price that Novakon is advertising the stripped version for, it's certainly an eye opener, especially for people that don't have the time, desire, or equipment to make a comparable machine. Dunno how much Smithy wants for it. Would be nice if they did offer another taper.

692

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: Smithy 1240 CNC and enclosure

« on: January 25, 2009, 12:37:31 PM »

One potential drawback for some people would be the R-8 spindle taper.

693

General Mach Discussion / Re: "Threading" Gaining Confidence

« on: January 24, 2009, 12:18:27 PM »

That's good stuff RC. Thanks for sharing with us. So.....your turning, threading, and de-burring, all in the same part setup? What type of insert are you using? How many parts does your insert thread before it needs changing? Do you also drill the hole toward the end? If you run out of those Russell Stovers boxes for your parts, just give me a call. If you will ship them to me, (I will pay the postage) I will dispose of the contents and return the empty boxes to you promptly, ready to receive your parts.

694

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: complex turnings

« on: January 22, 2009, 04:49:04 PM »

I don't see the video at that link.

Your not missing much, Vince, cube-wise. The machine working was the amazing part, not the cubes themselves. As Brett stated, Marcel's are light years ahead.

695

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: Smithy 1240 CNC and enclosure

« on: January 21, 2009, 05:07:24 PM »

That's a pretty spiffy looking machine ya got there. Wish I had one that nice.

696

General Mach Discussion / Re: Offsets for spherical tools

« on: January 20, 2009, 05:20:56 PM »

out of curiosity, are you making a telescope?

697

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: 5 Axis Mill (Trunion type), with Arm ATC, and Pallet changer control.

« on: January 18, 2009, 02:49:48 AM »

I'm afraid all my time is booked for another 6 months. Hopefully 6 more after that.... if I'm lucky. I'll take all I can get in this economy. April eh??? Heck, it's almost Feb! Won't be long till the carriage turns into a pumpkin! Oh well, I'm sure you'll get it done, though. Deadlines are meant to be broken. What usage do you have in mind for the machine? What do you estimate the final cost to be? 10-15K? 15-20K? Above 20? What kind of machining accuracy are you shooting for? Half thou? Couple tenths? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just interested.

698

General Mach Discussion / Re: Losing the will to live :-(

« on: January 17, 2009, 03:04:01 PM »

I've been down the same road with bad drives. As Hood stated, the difference between bad drives and Gecko's (or any other quality drive) is night and day. I think that my entire machine cost me double what it should have, from bad purchases.

699

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: 5 Axis Mill (Trunion type), with Arm ATC, and Pallet changer control.

« on: January 17, 2009, 02:45:53 PM »

Looks like you've got a nice machine planned out, Scott. Do you have the machine designed out in cad? Whats the footprint going to be?

700

General Mach Discussion / Re: HELP!!! Wired my drivers can't get my motors to turn

« on: January 15, 2009, 11:22:05 PM »

Rechecked my breakout board and I don't have an enable on it - do I need one??

If it don't have an enable on it, then no, you don't need one.