[CadRhino]

I have to mill a large 12" x 12" hexagonal shaped plate out of 1/4" thick aluminum.

Since the Y axis on the Tormach is only 9 1/2", does anyone have any tips or suggestions on flipping this part on the table so I can maintain an accurate reference?

I plan on fly-cutting both sides to tolerance with a .1875" thick part left over and will hold the part with #10-32 mitee bites for this procedure.

I do have one of Tormachs 18" x 18" x 10mm pivot plates with T-nut locating pins (31871 - Aluminum Pivot Plate, 18"x18"x10mm) and (31855 - 5/8" T-Nut with Locating Pin (Blind)) so this might be a good time to try it out but not sure it will give me the proper overlap unless I modify/add location holes.

Thanks for any input.

Best,
Nathan

[SCzEngrgGroup]

Clamp a couple of blocks, or a bar, to the table, and use an indicator in the spindle to set it exactly parallel to the Y axis. Then simply clamp your plate down pushed up against that bar. It should be quite easy to get it to at least +/-0.001" over the full 12".

Regards,
Ray L.

[mountaindew]

I always liked this idea in tormach video using 4th axis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EK0XazMZqQ


and this video is more like what your doing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7LOAx7hnRM

md

[CadRhino]

Thanks Ray
To be able to have a constant 'x' reference, should I score a line down the middle of the part or do you have any other ideas?
It seems that maintaining consistent XY references will be the challenge.
Best
Nathan

Clamp a couple of blocks, or a bar, to the table, and use an indicator in the spindle to set it exactly parallel to the Y axis. Then simply clamp your plate down pushed up against that bar. It should be quite easy to get it to at least +/-0.001" over the full 12".

Regards,
Ray L.

[CadRhino]

Thanks MD
I had re watched that video before posting my thread. I think the fixture plate flip will work so should try it. I wish I could use the 4th axis approach but I have the 8" tilting table and there is like less than 4" of Z height for my tool holders & tools wich makes it really hard to pull off. Also, in Sprutcam, it wand to lower the Z height after the op is done.
I know you know quite a bit about sprutcam, do you know low to set it so the retracts (and final head retract) goes to the Z ref highest point?
If I can do that, I might be able to squeak by using my 4th axis with short tools
Thanks
Nathan

I always liked this idea in tormach video using 4th axis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EK0XazMZqQ


and this video is more like what your doing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7LOAx7hnRM

md

[SCzEngrgGroup]

Thanks Ray
To be able to have a constant 'x' reference, should I score a line down the middle of the part or do you have any other ideas?
It seems that maintaining consistent XY references will be the challenge.
Best
Nathan

I've done it by simply using a caliper to measure the distance from one edge of the plate to the front face of the table. You can easily set that to within +/-0.001". You can also set a 1-2-3 (or 2-4-6) block against the front of the table and use a parallel or other flat object to push the plate flush with the front face of the block to give you a consistent Y position.

Regards,
Ray L.

[mountaindew]

Nathan, your using a atc correct?
I think the defaults are different in sprut.
I will check, are you using version 8 or 9?

md

[CadRhino]

Hi MD
I have to disable the ATC when I do such ops and will do so.
I am on sprut 8. I have not found many big differences between 8 & 9 and am currently using SC9 post processor.
I have to qualify that the 4" clearance is if I have a 3 or 4 jaw chuck mounted in the 4th.
Let me know what you find and thanks!
- Nathan

Nathan, your using a atc correct?
I think the defaults are different in sprut.
I will check, are you using version 8 or 9?

md

[CadRhino]

Thanks Ray
I will do some test runs to see what alignment offsets work best.
I like your bar idea and may be able to use that as a 'storey pole' for flipping reference.
Nathan

I've done it by simply using a caliper to measure the distance from one edge of the plate to the front face of the table. You can easily set that to within +/-0.001". You can also set a 1-2-3 (or 2-4-6) block against the front of the table and use a parallel or other flat object to push the plate flush with the front face of the block to give you a consistent Y position.

Regards,
Ray L.

[mountaindew]

Darn!
Was hoping you had 9!

Attachment 272346

I think this is what you want!
Might be different in 8!
md