I am 47 years old for heavens sake....I shouldn't be so excited!!
But, I got this machine in May, I had to order collets for the spindle, they were odd sized and difficult to find but I found them and got them here. Then I noticed that a belt was a little worn and investigated and found that most of them were hooped. So again, some research to determine which timing belts these were (and even to find out that were called timing belts!) and then to find a source for them. Again these were not the common variety but finally got them and replaced them. Then on to software. I bought Rhino and borrowed a version of a CAM program. Started thinking I was in WAY TOO DEEP, no way I could ever figure this stuff out! Bob Garrish and Mike Turner have spent hours on the phone with me. I had some issue with file size that resulted in me needing to network to the controller, another few more hours with a computer tech here and talking with Precix (the manufacturers, their tech has been great!).So anyway, I want to drill 64 holes 17/64" diamtre (with a 1/4" upcut spiral) into the aluminum vacuum table to install threaded inserts. I want to be able to bolt down fixtures and make locating pins rather than use the large surface vacuum that is on the machine (three 1.5 hp blowers). I will use my own fridge compressor vacuum system on the fixtures I plan to make.
There is an MDF sacrificial table on top of the aluminum one so I ran the program on the mdf just now and all looks great!!
Super big thanks to Mike Turner for setting me up with a demo version of MadCAM (which will now be my CAM program) and for his calm patience walking me through both Rhino and MadCAM.
Here is the machine in action (with boring stills, but you get the idea!)
Here is the table itself:
Attachment:
Table.jpg
Here it is closer up showing the holes it is making in the mdf (on top of the existing vacuum holes)
Attachment:
Drilling Holes.jpg
And the Controller Screen (just tp be complete)
Attachment:
Control Screen.jpg
Thanks again to all who have offered up some help so far! I am only just starting so there will be tons more questions! Now, I am off to see if I can make the fixture for holding down blanks for making radius dishes and maybe even make a dish today!
Shane
