4th Axis with a twist, video

[Evan]

I have made some additions to the 4th axis indexer unit. I mentioned already that the unit would be able to act as a lathe. Now it does. This is the first real part made on the machine with the indexing AND lathe capability. This show the unit with the part milled. I have used Lexan for a chip cover on the unit. This isn't ordinary clear Lexan, it's a product with a coating called MarGuard which is a very hard and tough coating almost like glass. It doesn't scratch easily and is extremely machinable. It also has a slight purple tint which is characteristic of machining Lexan.



I am making encoder wheels for a motion detection/e-stop system for the machine. Limit switches don't provide enough protection. More on that in another thread soon.

I have added a spindle motor to the indexer. It's a beer can size servo motor with ridiculous specs. It's rated up to 600 watts running over 3000 rpm up to 30 volts DC at 20 amps. Thats 3/4 horsepower in a beer can. It runs like it too. It will accelerate the spindle to 1200 rpm in maybe 200 milliseconds.



This is the machine running in lathe mode. I have temporarily mounted a turret tool holder on the side of the head but have something a little different in mind.



This is the finished part:



I recommend watching the video to see how easy it is to switch modes. I have also used magnets as part of the enclosure to make access easy and instant.

The videos are available from the new server so should download very quickly.

This is the low res version, 10 MB, 4.5 minutes
http://www3.telus.net/metalshopborea...s_twist_lo.wmv

Hi res, 20 MB
http://www3.telus.net/metalshopborea...s_twist_hi.wmv

[DICKEYBIRD]

SWEET! I can only dream of such technology. That machine is going to make you some wonderful things.

[A.K. Boomer]

Yup, looks just like an encoder disc, Very cool Ev, it really suprises me that your mill head is that solid to run a lathe tool off of, I never would have guessed, Thought it would be a chatter box but the part looks great

[Evan]

It works fine on metal too, at least on aluminum. I haven't tried steel as I haven't built a speed controller for the spindle, yet.

[A.K. Boomer]

Now I see the long ribbons, what type of plastic? (im still impressed by the way ) That peice looks metal esp. when your holding it after the part off.

I noticed you named her --- let me know when they hit E-bay and I'll see what the housing markets doing, I wonder if it makes chips hot enough to burn through the bottom of a tent? What an amazing little Mill...

[pntrbl]

I thought the part was metal! Had me all confused for awhile there. What is it anyway?

SP

[Evan]

Black acetal copolymer, Acetron by Quadrant.

[John Stevenson]

Why does the spindle slow down when using the lathe tool ?

.

[Your Old Dog]

I haven't been this green with envy since Lyle Lovett scored with Julia Roberts !! PFS.

[HTRN]

Evan, I'm curious - is there a particular reason why you used a Minimill head over say, the headstock off of a 7" lathe?


HTRN