Messages

781

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

« on: October 07, 2008, 04:36:08 PM »

They should delete you anyways.... for not posting those pics sooner!!! Good job.

782

Works in progress / Re: new italian touch screen

« on: October 06, 2008, 05:11:23 PM »

That's pretty sweet. Good job!

783

Mach Screens / Re: Why the black screens?

« on: October 06, 2008, 05:10:49 PM »

Well, just my ¢.02, the dark backgrounds with bright letters/numbers are high contrast. Easy on the eyes. Good looking stuff there, zealous.

784

General Mach Discussion / Re: Bridgeport Quill Feed Mechanism

« on: September 17, 2008, 02:38:23 PM »

3/8 would definitely be better than 1/4. We were gonna tap ours out bigger the next time we changed out the spindle bearings. We have never had any major issues with it, but it has loosened itself on occasion. I would recommend people at least being conscious of it. It's good that others haven't had the same problem.

785

General Mach Discussion / Re: Bridgeport Quill Feed Mechanism

« on: September 16, 2008, 09:03:02 PM »

what is the procedure to operate the quill manually ?

The procedure involves flipping a toggle switch. No need in removing the bolts. Obviously, its a bit more stiff because your having to turn the screw and the motor too, but it is definitely doable. I would hate to think that I had to tear into the thing every time I tripped the limit switch and disassemble the mechanism to move off the switch. If I had a nickle for every time I tripped the limit, well.......I'd have enough for about 2 gallons of gasoline. 1 gallon if there's a mild hurricane in the gulf (Grrrrrrrrrr!!!!!! try to stay on topic, Sam!) Personally, I hate the system and always thought "there's gotta be a better way". The single bolt that goes through the spindle is the bread and butter of the whole deal. It was never designed to take cutting forces and drive the spindle. Ours gets loose from time to time, so I keep an eye on it.  Having to maneuver an allen wrench sideways between the ball screw and the enclosure and apply any effective tightening pressures without snapping the ball on the wrench definitely contributed to the "better way" theory. On Hoods system, it looks easy enough to slap a boxed-end wrench on it and really get mean with it. All of our work is 2.5 axis stuff. I would not want this system if I were doing 3 axis jobs. I just don't think the single 1/4-28 "bread and butter" bolt would survive through the long haul of repetitive up/down motion. Maybe Hood, Beachbum, or somebody else can give there $.02 cents on that. Now if your not skeered to tear into the spindle and punch a couple larger holes through it, it would definitely beef things up a bit.

786

General Mach Discussion / Re: Bridgeport Quill Feed Mechanism

« on: September 16, 2008, 03:54:48 PM »

That looks allot better than the Anilam for sure, beachbum. I do however like the way the motor is positioned on the Anilam better. It's a bit more compact.

Another thing, is there a way to disengage the drive ?
Otherwise, why is the handle still on there in Ed's pic. ?

Yes, there is a switch to disengage the drive for manual operation. The handle on ours slides right off.

787

General Mach Discussion / Re: NEWBIE: Far along..but need some help...please..please..

« on: September 14, 2008, 06:50:00 PM »

I agree with Gerry. With my 1.75 HP router, I can go about 50 ipm, .5" depth, with a 2 flute .5" diameter router bit through oak without tear-out or overtaxing the motor. I would assume that performance would increase with a good quality spiral cutter. I have tried using 2 flute and 4 flute end mills. Only tried it once, and that's all it took for that learning experience. As Gerry suggested, .25 depth at 60 ipm with a .25 cutter sounds like a great starting point. Good luck.

788

Works in progress / Re: Fanuc-O ld school

« on: September 10, 2008, 05:21:51 PM »

Did this project get deep-6'ed?  Project funding halted due to inconsistencies on Form 378-A subsection 3b??? (damn red tape!!!) Did the dog eat it? You get paid waaaay to much to just take your own leisurely time with this. If this takes much longer, your gonna have to go back and incorporate screen burn into it. LOL!! It is indeed a great looking screen.

789

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: LATHE CUSTOM & HOMEMADE

« on: September 06, 2008, 05:21:18 PM »

wife won't let me put it in the dining room hutch

I find that hard to believe.
Nice piece of work there. I don't think I would convert it either.

790

General Mach Discussion / Re: "Generally" Speaking, Quoting CNC work.

« on: September 03, 2008, 05:53:21 PM »

Ed has allot of good input in my opinion. Sounds like he's "been there, done that". I think everybody sells themselves short at first, because allot of cost are just out of sight, out of mind, until they bite ya. Part of the learning process I guess.

If I can make a part manually for $200.....It seems almost sinfull to CNC 9 of the same part in the same time frame for $1800

Ouch!!! To me, that's the totally wrong mindset to be in. That's the whole purpose of even having a CNC. Make more parts in less time=more money in my pocket=more toys....better living... the list goes on. But hey, if it really does make ya feel that bad, you can always keep doing them manually.  The CNC and your continued dedication to learn how to use it efficiently is for YOUR gain, not the customers. Make all the money you can when you have the opportunity. Sometimes the opportunity wont be there.  I'm not trying to advise that you overcharge by any means. Just keep in mind it took allot to get where you are now, and when the rewards start to come your way, don't pass it on to somebody else. Just my $.02