[hoss2006]

Started working on the enclosure for the ATC.
Mocked one up out of cardboard and it looked good so now on to making
a semi-permanent one from that pvc lumber.
The doors will be spring loaded so no need for any outputs from Mach.
I'd probably go with ally and sheet metal for a permanent one.
Should keep the tools nice and cozy in there.
Hoss

[hoss2006]

I just picked up this 2 inch endmill from CDCO for $39 and it's pretty sweet.
Has a 3/4 shank to use with the TTS and ATC and it uses the same inserts
that my good Kennametal R8 tooling uses. Lots of those on hand.
Another nice addition to the arsenal.
Told you newbies that buying tooling is a lifelong process, never have enough.
Hoss

[jeremy0203]

Is that PVC lumber pretty cheap? I'd love to use it for practice and messing around if it is. Looks like it likes to make a mess. Hows the cut with the indexable endmill, may have to pick one up

[hoss2006]

The price isn't bad, about $25 for a 8 foot 1x8 from Lowes.
It does make a mess, rwestbr1 told me about TREX lumber that's supposed to be better, gotta get some.
The core of this stuff is pretty soft/low density, great if you want to carve it with a knife.
Not really very structural once you cut thru the surface film but it is just for light duty projects
or prototyping/testing programs.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/1001667-post2028.html
Only used the endmill for this job since I just got it.
Hoss

[SCzEngrgGroup]

I just picked up this 2 inch endmill from CDCO for $39 and it's pretty sweet.
Has a 3/4 shank to use with the TTS and ATC and it uses the same inserts
that my good Kennametal R8 tooling uses. Lots of those on hand.
Another nice addition to the arsenal.
Told you newbies that buying tooling is a lifelong process, never have enough.
Hoss

Tighten the bejeezus out of the retaining screws, and take light cuts - those @$%^& inserts will pull out when you least want them to, radically changing your depth/width of cut without warning.

Regards,
Ray L.

[hoss2006]

Like I said, my Kennametal tools use the same inserts.
I've used these once or twice before, thanks.
Hoss

[hoss2006]

I'd love to use it for practice and messing around ...

Pick up a hunk or 2 of machinable wax, great stuff for practicing as you
can melt down the chips and reuse it over and over.
I got a block from grizzly which has pretty good prices.
Grizzly.com
Hoss

[nateman_doo]

I gotta ask... How did you determine the elevation of the head on the rotary table? Was it arbitrary?

[hoss2006]

Do you mean how did I decide to mount it?
Hoss

[hoss2006]

The head already pivoted on the Z slide.
I made the rotary center on that pivot then mounted the head still centered on the pivot
so it works in the same plane as originally.
Hoss

[fretsman]

Hoss,

Forgive me for stepping in on your thread with this question, but it is relevant.

I thought you mentioned somewhwere what "area" that you need for this mill to fit into? I have a very small space that I might be able to fit one of these but I wasn't sure how much to the left and right (with table extended both ways) and front to back that I really need for it.

I searched this thread and others and I must not be using the right search words.

Thanks for your time,
Dave

[hoss2006]

Hey Dave,
Check out my chip tray project, it'll give you an idea of the space it takes up.
Projects2
Basically uses a 5 x 2 foot footprint.
I have mine in my spare bedroom that I've converted to a mini shop and it fits comfortably in there.
No way could I put my rf45 in there especially since it needs a hoist to move even the head.
I was able to move the g0704 in there in 2 hunks by myself.
Hoss

[fretsman]

Thanks so much, Hoss, looks like I have some more floor planning to think about

Dave

[hoss2006]

No problem Dave.
Never enough room for all the toys.
I'm trying to figure out where to put a slant bed lathe in the spare room next.
Hoss

[hoss2006]

To help answer emails I get a LOT, I started another FAQ page.
FAQs
Number 1 is the ZX45/G0704 question.
Hope this helps clear things up.
Hoss

[hoss2006]

The ATC 4 enclosure prototype is done and works great.
If I decide to continue to use this I'll make one from ally and sheet metal.
Will probably move on to the next one though.
Have the 6 inch rotary on order to mate with the g0602's 6 inch 4-jaw for some 4th axis fun.
Have an adapter to make to use the 3 inch 3-jaw in the mill spindle for some more vertical lathe fun.
Hoss

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjkzIf6g1HU]G0704 ATC 4 Enclosure Prototype - YouTube[/ame]

[jeremy0203]

you get so much done so quickly. im lucky if i can even step foot in the garage in a full day lol.

you just gonna have a chuck 4th axis or gonna make up a trunnion table?

[hoss2006]

Funny but I haven't even been in the "shop" for 3 days, not feeling great till today.
Put in a good 4 hours.
Trunnion, most likely adapt the old one eventually.
Will have a tooling plate and 3-jaw for the 4th as well just to be safe.
Hoss

[FannBlade]

Nice simple efficient design.

Nice job.

[Fastest1]

I second jeremy's comment. Maybe you already have these items built but you dont let us know, then in seemingly no time out of nowhere you come up with the coolest stuff. With all of your creativity, I dont see any reason for you to go back to your other job. This should be very lucrative or could be with all of the info and products you do or could sell. Good luck and stick with it, many of us are absolutely fascinated.
:banana: