X2 Freak 18in X, 12in Y, 10in Z

[hoss2006]

As it's still a work in progress I haven't made much else except for parts for it and
cnc conversion parts for customers.
When it's finished , i'll move into building robots and more customer parts.

[hoss2006]

Have a few more feedrate test videos posted now.
Check them out here.
Scroll to the bottom.
I used Bob Adams new program called Pockets (coming soon)
Check his site for availability.
Works great for making pockets of course.
I modified the circle pocket program to allow ramping into the part
and to increase the feedrate each pass for the tests.
Code is below.
Used a .500 HSS endmill @ 2000 RPM.
Made it to .100 inch per pass @50 IPM.
and .125 inch per pass @30 IPM.
Good enough for me. That will do it for these roughing tests till I get the Flood Coolant up and running.
If anyone with a stock X2 or any other kind of mill tries these programs,
post your results so we could see how the Freak compares. Give me something to shoot for.
Thanks Hoss

pockets circle1.5dia 100x10ipm 60stepover RAMPING.txt
circle1.5dia 125x10ipm 60stepover RAMPING.txt
rectangle pocket feedrate test 100 10IPM .txt

[hoss2006]

Well I made a couple more videos.
Show the Articulating Head at 90 Degrees simulating working on a part too tall for the Z axis to handle.
Made a simple row hole pattern for allen bolt storage
and an X2 Freak engraving 10 inches wide on the Y axis.
In case you are wondering how I made the code, I made a regular engraving program with DeskEngrave.
Then I edited it in Notepad.
Figured out a little shortcut to change the horizontal code to vertical at 90 degrees.
Replaced the X with A
Replaced the Y with B
Replaced the Z with X
Replaced the A with Y
Replaced the B with Z
That will work if I need to do it again.
I have a pic that shows this in a simulator.

There's probably a program to do this easier (or Not) but DeskEngrave and Notepad are FREE.
The videos are here,
scroll to the bottom of the page.
Hoss

[tattoomike68]

I like that machine, too bad its not an item that is a package and you could sell them all ready to plug and go.

My woman told me I can get a CNC when we get the cash flow, she want to play with it too.

[hoss2006]

I will be offering a DVDrom that will include high res pics, prints and videos that
will show how I expanded the X2 mill if anyone wants to try it themselves.
Will be available here soon.
Hoss

[Nutter]

Very nice Hoss. I really enjoyed seeing you engrave on a round surface using your 4th axis.



Edit: DOH! I just watched your videos again and answered my own question - you've got the lathe setup as the 4th axis. Very clever...

[hoss2006]

Yeah i'll be glad to get the testing on the expansions finished,
the 4th axis was a lot of fun to play with and i want to see how hard it will be
to do some 3d engraving and carving with it.
Hoss

[hoss2006]

Played around a little today with some surface grinding
while the head was still at 90 degrees.
Need to sort through the mess and find my diamond point dressing tool.
Would give me a better finish i'm sure.
Have a movie here in my Videos section.

Thanks Hoss

[Your Old Dog]

Well if having fun counts for anything in life then you just get to go to the head of the class! Really nice project!

[hoss2006]

Added a couple more videos showing improved finish with the surface grinder once i dressed the wheel.
Also a short check of the spindle RPM's of my belt conversion with a Digital Tachometer.
Hoss