Well, some of you may have read my first post (My time for an 1100 - CNCzone.com-The Largest Machinist Community on the net!) and in there, my first project on the machine (http://www.cnczone.com/forums/tormac...ml#post1104392). I was just learning everything about the CAD software, CAM software, and the mill all at that time. I got the soft jaws made and they are reversible so you can have a step or no step and they have come in handy. Also probably saved a drill bit when a drilling cycle went too deep, if they were steel, im sure it would have been snapped.
Since then ive progressed quite a bit, I think, and things are becoming much easier. I just finished my second big project on the machine tonight. I modeled and machined a Dillon Precision tool head for a reloading press. The original (Dillon Precision: Reloaders, Reloading Equipment, Bullet Reloading, Bullet Reloaders) is $22.95 plus shipping and is made from cast aluminum. I can buy enough material for 3 of them for $23.
Well at any rate, I measured the original one that came with the press and modeled it.
Then I moved to SprutCAM and started creating the machining operations. Moved to the machine and tested on a few pieces of wood and then stepped up to aluminum when I was happy with the program. And here is the result.
Progress has been a little slow. I graduated college and then got a temporary job working 9 hr days on a normal week and any where from 12-16 hr days on heavy weeks so that cut into my learning time. Then at the beginning of August I started a new job/career with Pennsylvania DOT working in the CADD Support group. So the transition to a new career has also been slowing things down. I think the mad rush of paperwork is now slowing down and I'm beginning to get settled in so hopefully I can continue to pick things back up with the machine and find a little work on the side with it.
Thanks for looking, and any comments on the tool head would be appreciated!