Search results

This is interesting to me as I've fabricated a stepper motor adapter to my 6" rotary table but I have yet to use it...(insert excuse here), though I did generate some G-code from Fusion 360 to try it out. I have the typical 90:1 reduction - 1 deg = 50 full steps (1/4 turn on stepper / input)...

The quill is similar on many machines. The issue is the backlash. As Wizard mentions a quill gauge is very useful and lets you know where you are, and if you snug up the quill lock just a touch it helps with the jumpy movement downward, but you then really notice the backlash in the dial...

Pat, In response to your question of what software can make the drawings with the 3D models - my guess would be most modern 3D CAD packages. As far as what I know personally, I use Fusion 360 from Autodesk and it can do it. Its also free for hobby / under $100k business per year. Very...

For softer materials like aluminum I'm gravitating towards using only thread forming taps - acquiring them slowly. No chips = less chance of breakage, as long as you tap the hole as recommended for the particular tap you are using (not your standard tapping chart!). Just lubricate and tap, no...

Wow - whats in your water out there? My piece came out a dull grey, nowhere near as black as that! Maybe lower the heat a bit? Keep at it - the tap will come out. Mike

Alum does work most times, but it needs to be able to get to the tap - if the flutes are all plugged up with aluminum swarf it will take forever as its only going to be working on very top. As also mentioned, it needs to be 1. Saturated solution and 2. hot - near boiling. 3. stir the part /...

My personal advice is to stay away from the machines. A serious injury is only "one stupid mistake" away...the first mistake of the session may be the only one...i.e no "warnings" You can still play in the shop - just do those little things that need manual work (hack sawing, filing to shape...

Peter, The "BS" is the width of the wiper edge (look at page J003 of the mistsubishi carbide link you attached), probably not the concern here. This does appear to be a case of the shape, maybe impacted by the chip breaker, or its dimension "RE" which I take to be the "Radius Edge" - looks...

Have any details on the mix you used? I.e. ratio of gravel to epoxy? Its tempting to do on my Compact5 as it won't cost that much, but doing anything to my mill will be expensive... Mike

Funny you should start this thread today, I just picked up my package from the post office today - Christmas for my workshop and little lathe CNC update. I actually saw this post before I've opened the package! I do find the shipping is excruciatingly slow to Canada - I tend to forget exactly...

2 degrees is alot of play, in fact its a half a turn of the crank on a typical table with 90:1 worm reduction - each full turn is 4 degrees. Are you counting the turns and then saying you're out 2 degrees? Which measurement are you going by - the micro collar on the handle or the marks on the...

From what I know about lasers that is the most dangerous tool I've seen in a long time! Hand held? I'm at a loss for words.... It is neat but the safety aspect scares the crap out of me. Mike

I have put into the downloads area some files for the D1-4 adapter. I hope that will help a few people out. I have not included a proper drawing yet as I'm in the process of learning Autodesk Fusion 360 and I haven't got there yet! Hopefully with the included files most people will be able...

This is an adapter to be able to mount a D1-4 style chuck onto a rotary table for easy transition from lathe to mill and vice versa. There are a few iterations here. The 3d pdf file is the version I made, it is 5 inches in diameter. The pdf was made with my previous CAD software. Note that on...

Very well done, it looks like you have quite a bit of experience with pouring cast iron. On my to do list eventually at the cottage where there is space and far neighbors. The city isn't conducive to casting unfortunately... I do have a question - what type of crucible are you using? I...

Why not use a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)? Many are available as single phase input and 3 phase output, with the added bonus of variable speed (frequency). As long as the motor is a 220 to 250V motor you should be able to find a VFD to drive it. I've got a 3hp on on my mill and a 1 1/2 hp...

Speaking from experience the main drawback of my 3-in-1 machine was a complete lack of rigidity for either turning or milling. It was closest in design to the Smithy (their Midas, not the Granite you linked). However the Granite does appear to have some of the same drawbacks - the Headstock...

For those in Canada I just found this at Princess Auto as I wandered the aisles, $420 seems a bit steep but with the weak Canadian dollar I guess that is the going price. Mike

The model engine company OS engines from Japan made a Wankel engine commercially for many years. http://www.os-engines.co.jp/english/line_up/engine/air/wankel/rotindex.htm http://modelenginenews.org/drj/os_wankel.html I have not seen detail drawings that would enable one to make your...

Look at treadmills - the ones with electric adjustable incline. Should be near the right amount of travel. I just opened mine and it has one. Mike