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Another issue is what kind of angles you need to cut- If you never need to do anything other than a 90, you are set.
If you ever need to do an angle, or even compound angle, the chop saw with the...

I also have a need for CNC work- I'm in Spokane.

I need some 3/8" acrylic sheets (4'x8') carved up in to parts for fish tank filters. Mostly it is disks that are 4" to 12" in dia., and have...

Don't forget acrylic. My plans are to make filtration systems and tanks for the salt-water aquarium enthusiast.

Zeph

Is the range any further when they sense steel? How about an Iron magnet?

If so, just place a piece of the best sensed material on the gantry, so it lines up with the sensors.

Zeph

Buy a real router speed control like this:

Rockler

Even a 5 amp dimmer is not enough. A 3hp Router would need at least a 15 amp speed control. The above unit is good to 20 amps.

Zeph

Quick note- If you are doing a lot of parts and want a permanent shine, consider Nickel plating, or even Chrome.

I've had some aluminum supports plated, and they come out really nice.

Zeph

Hmmm... Their web site claims though a dealer only, and when I asked on the phone (after he knew I had a quote request in though a dealer) he said he would not sell direct.

Zeph

Has anyone tried out these products?
http://www.machsysinc.com/PLGFRAME.htm

They are an a coated aluminum rail with polymer inserts. Their web site gives a list price of $0.08 per mm for the...

Well, I decided not to get it- Here it is, it is still available direct from the poster.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=26229&item=2555711956

Zeph

I have a chance to get a Gerber Router 3 at a decent price. Has anyone ever used one? It is a 7'x10' bed, with a 3.5" Z axis.

Gerber's new machines:...

Methinks this is being taken a little too far. If our mods can't even mention the equipment they use, their input is severely cramped.

By tying their hands, you have removed their knowledge base...

Pedit will convert a line to a pline, if you just click on it first when you enter pedit.

Boundary will take an enclosed area, delimitated by lines or arcs, and convert it into a single closed...

Hu- Many of the raceways now have plastic carriers that isolate the balls from each other, eliminating the need for over/under sizing of every other ball.
(Or so their literature says...)

Zeph

AFAIK All AutoDesk products are serviced by the local AutoCAD authorized dealer. The student versions might be different though.

Assuming not, look in the yellow pages under CAD and find the one...

Ooo look! Another Tie! Surprise! ;)

Zeph

Very nice- My buddy flew an ultimate with a YS120 for a long time. Flew great, quiet, and a lot of fun!

My current plane is a Aerodynamics Raven- 1/4 scale, 72" wing span, 13# (IIRC), and a Brison...

I got a quote back of $57.60 for 6061-T6 ceramic coated shaft, 3/4" x 12' long (plus shipping), so that is looking like the cheapest option for me.

Thanks again for the help-

Zeph

Wouldn't a low density MDF have to be called LDF? :)

It looks like your setup is for high vacuum, low volume. That is the method I currently use on my mill, and it works fine until you open a...

Thanks, I'll pull that one down tonight.

Any tips on how to get that perfect finish? Is there a lot of hand work?

Zeph

Well the feature in the G340 looks like it is designed to remove steps to soften the load on the software. For each step the software sends, it can be programmed to move the servo up to 10 steps....

Extremely cool mold Keith- Can you tell us what material you are molding? I assume that you are pouring a liquid in, sloshing it around, and pouring it out?

Zeph

My plan is to belt drive, with a 2:1 ratio. But that is because I am going rack/pinion, and I need to gear down the servo a little. The smallest pinion is 1.7" per revolution (0.00425").

After...

Ninewgt- I'm not sure what I am missing, but am about $5k for the base machine, plus router, dust collection, computer, and software.

I'll post a cost breakdown when I solve my shaft issue and...

I've got about zero experience with steel in a mill, I've been limited to aluminum and various plastics so far. You guys make it sound easy, but I'm not convinced that I can get it right the first...

Thanks Ken, That's good to know.

Zeph

Looks great- Keep the info coming.

Zeph

I'll look in to the chrome shaft again, I had not found a place that would pre-drill it, so had discarded that thought earlier. Now that I might drill it myself, I'll have to think about it again.
...

Wow guys, thanks for the help!

I'll talk to the local shop again, maybe I can convince them it is worth the effort. I have thought about trying it at home, but am concerned that I would not line...

The local shop that can order me 3/4" steel shaft wants an extra $200 per 12' to have it pre-drilled every 6" with 10-32 blind holes. Since the shaft is only $97 undrilled, I'm looking for cheaper...

For the people using hardened steel shaft and Rulon or other synthetic bearings, do you use any lubrication on the shaft for rust protection? The synthetic bearings don't need the lube for running,...