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First major prototype!

So, I am experimenting with CNC prototyping a heavy grav tank for 1/100 scale modeling and wargaming. It looks like this in Rhino3d...
...

Installed a new anti-backlash nut in the X axis after the old one bound up.
My thanks to John at Microcarve for the quick response and shipping.
...

Part 3. First Cuts to level the spoilboard. MDF everywhere!

4 Youtube videos at the link.

John Bear Ross: CNC Prototyper Update 2017, Part 3

Best,
JBR

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks! John at Microcarve makes quality product.

Best,
JBR

Been away for a while sculpting and writing. Sorry for the thread necromancy.

I have reconfigured my Lawnchair CNC prototyper, as well as added a lathe and mill from Precision Matthews to the...

Slightly better pics.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5-JhmwvAH8/VIzYb7YcQRI/AAAAAAAAIic/hh-95-655LE/s1600/cnc6.JPG...

I've run everything at 80 ipm, without a wobble or shudder. No problems encountered.

Ok, then. They stay. ;)

Thanks for the clarification, John.

Best,
JBR

I use Faztek extrusion, via Amazon. It ships free with Amazon Prime.

Amazon.com: faztek

Best,
JBR

Thank you, Mr. Werby. I will look into it.

Best,
JBR

Hello, all.

Former Taig owner here. I had to sell it during the mortgage crisis, and I've been wanting another machine ever since.

So, I've been parting one together, one piece at a time.
...

True, but they're also probably catering to jewelers who want turnkey solutions, and are used to paying $25K for a Neo5 or MDA Precision 5 axis mill.

Best,
JBR

Here's a 5-Axis Taig from Canuckistan, eh.

Taig mill 5 axis with ball screw - Taig Ballscrew BF20 Mill milling routing machine machines

Pricey ($5,775 USD). But, it has ballscrews, and choice...

I outsource all my 3d printing. Too much expense for my budget, even for the new generation of sub-$20K machines that are out.

I've always had good results on Objet machines, though. ...

No aluminum, yet. Just Delrin and Wax. The Bosch spindle is great on those materials.

And thanks for the tip on harmonic dampeners. I'll have to look at that.

Best,
JBR

I wish Taig would make an X-3 analogue, with a variable-speed 1HP motor and R-8 spindle, especially if it is readily convertible to CNC. I have no basis for the pricing, but I think a decent...

Jeff,

I assume this is with Gecko 540s, right? What about my aging Xylotex? I'm hesitant to cause a situation that releases the magic smoke from my box or steppers.

Best,
JBR

I'm doing 15 ipm right now. I can try 20, but past experience says I'll start getting binding and missed steps. I have nothing but time, though, and the work I'm doing isn't production.

I'll...

Delrin results are in!

I roughed with a .125 diameter 4-flute end mill at d/5 step/tool paths, 15 ipm, and results came out nice. I did the same with a .250 4-flute end mill, and it hogged out...

I'll have to add it to my blog's sidebar list, Nick.

Best,
JBR

http://johnbearross.blogspot.com

I just did my first test cuts in machinist wax. Here are some notes...

>Cutter used: .125 dia, .750 flute length Atrax 4-flute TiN coated carbide end mill, centercutting (they're on sale right...

Not to worry about the 3/16th. It would be nice, but I understand the economics.

I only recently discovered your presence after extensive searching on this forum, though, so it might be a matter...

Jeff,

Thanks, and Semper Fi to you, too. The adaptor plate was just a piece of scrap 6061 I had laying around. It works.

We'll see how much time it saves me when I get back from ComicCon, and...

Mr. John Torrez,

I sent a memo via the website, asking for a 3/16th collet to be made in the future for my new Colt rig, so I can use my tooling with that shank diameter. Any chances of that...

noisillator,

I did fab it on the Taig. If the spindle head knew it was assisting in creating its replacement/supplement, I'm sure it would have gone on strike. Heh.

I'm really on a quest to...

Not to worry, Dave.

I'm doing sci fi models in wax and delrin, maybe epoxy, too. Nothing too high-tolerance. I'll check the runout with a dial indicator tonight.

Best,
JBR

Just wanted to show off my spindle upgrade. I had bought a Bosch Colt palm router about the same time I bought my Taig from Nick Carter. I tried to make an erzatz mounting bracket for it, but...

That is the intended end, though not with this particular master. This little guy will probably get melted down, and become a new test piece, though not before I show him to the wife, to justify my...

I was working at d/9 or .0034" stepover.
5 IPM, because I'm having seizing issues in the X axis at higher speeds.
Milling strategy was a X, then Y, grid pattern. That's probably why it took so...

Hello, all.

Just wanted to show off my little bit of effort over the weekend.

http://www.johnbearross.com/prototyper.html

Roughing didn't take too long. The finish pass with a 1/32 x 3/16 x...

I'd love to know your speeds and feeds for working white metal, as well as which cutters you're using. I'm experimenting right now with Blue Machineable wax, Nylon 6/6, Delrin, and UHMW PE.

I did...