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Home made stuff is fun but time consuming and expensive as I usually end up making some things twice.

Nowadays I'm saving my time and energy to make things I can't buy or make for at least a...

Hi Speedre & JR,

If you have the skill to machine the spindle shaft to fit the bearings etc. why press a 3/4" ER16 collet chuck extension into the spindle shaft?

It would be much better to...

[QUOTE=Dr Not;530938]Well I have to say that this is one of the more interesting, and certainly information packed threads that I have read on CNC Zone.

Now I will pick my New IH Mill up tomorrow...

Hi Dave and Phil,

I have serial #13... still out in the carport waiting to get moved inside the shop. I appreciate you guys posting your Z axis issues so I can inspect mine before putting it to...

Hi Speedre,

The R8 MiniMill Box Spindle was a fun project, I learned a lot too.

This is one of the most traveled threads on the board. I'm still receiving Pm's and e-mails about our project......

Hi Mike,

My intent is to make a light weight MT3 version of my existing R8 box spindle and use the Proxxon die grinder as a different spindle as I have two dovetail spindle mounts for the machine...

I plan to use the R8 Spindle and 2.5HP motor on another machine that can handle the horsepower and weight. My point exactly; I thought about getting the motor only but for $100 more I get the...

[QUOTE=nlancaster;353164]Mike you are right you could not build it for less then the $100 spindle box assembly. But you could build it lighter. That spindle box assembly weighs a heafty 13lbs and...

Well, I used the R8 spindle box but the MT3 spindle box is actually a better choice as it uses 2 - 6206 2RS deep groove ball bearings and high speed bearings are easier to obtain in that size. I use...

There is no free version of the CAM plugin I'm aware of but here is a link to free movies on the differences between Autocad and TurboCadCam:...

I use TurboCadCam V14 with the Mechanical pack, the constraints feature is wonderful. When you change the drawing all the tool-paths adjust automatically. The upgrade from V12 was $329; I typically...

Hi JR,

Good to see you lurking around.

The best way to find a workable solution is to find a set of good bearings that will handle at least twice the rpm and workload you expect to use.
...

Well don't just sit there...

Build it!

The thread is like me... old but still good.

MikeAber

The prices and recomendations for software are pretty reliable on the Tormach website. The TurbocadCam package they are selling is indeed the Professional version. The other packages offer more...

Thanks Al,

The VFD project is part of phase II, which will include adding an MPG encoder, maybe next summer.

MikeAber

The belt drive isn't a problem. The biggest issue is finding bearings for the minimill spindle that will run @ 10,000 rpm continuously without breaking the bank.

The last time I looked they were...

The concept was to change the proprietary language control system to use RS-274 G-code and replace the aging control system.

This conversion has been in use for a little over a year; in our shop...

Project Update

I volunteered to convert this 1985 EX-CELL-O CNC Machine to run RS-274 G-code. The mill is in excellent mechanical condition. The electronics are 20 years old and un-reliable. I’m...

You’re wasting your time trying to cut steel with a gantry mill, it can be done, but who wants to make 100 passes to remove 1" of material @ 5 IPM. I purchased a PCNC1100 for that.

I use the...

The spindle is variable speed.

The KBIC125 90VDC motor controller ($45.00) is adjustable for max and minimum speed. It supports speed control from a 0-9VDC control voltage; however, I use a...

Like this?

Here are the pictures of that project described in the volumes of this thread: http://www.cnczone.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=9016

The minimill 2.5HP spindle weighs 20 pounds.
...

The small bearings are fine for high speed work as the chip load is small and light shock load on the bearings. At slower speeds you want larger bearing surfaces to handle the increased shock load of...

I would be looking for foot pounds of torque not inch pounds. This doesn't look practical to me, especially at $700. The standard motor for the mini mill is .45 horsepower, the smallest spindle I run...

This is what Tormach did on the PCNC1100. There is no quill, all Z axis movement takes place on the column dovetails.

MikeAber

Hi Barry,

Here is a link to the kit sold by Littlemachineshop.com.

http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2352

The pin goes into a hole in the pulley housing....

Hi Joe,

Do yourself a favor, purchase a copy of this book: MACHINE TOOL RECONDITIONING by Edward F. Connelly Copyright 1954.

It explains the procedural steps necessary to accomplish this task,...

Wow! You can't argue with the the data sheets. This is an amazing end mill. I wonder what they cost.

Absolutely awsome Bruggles!

I agree with JRogue about spindle speeds.

Everyone seems to think a DIY machine spindle needs to be at least 10,000 rpm with the capability to make heavy cuts in mild steel. There are industrial...

Hi Jon,

These are preliminary "quickie" tests. When I learn more about what I'm doing and have more time I'll conduct more tests and take better measurements.

By then Phil will have his...

Hi Phil,

NC Tolerance Solid Carbide End Mills are manufactured with closer mill diameter tolerances of +.001in. -.000 in. for use on state-of-the-art machining centers. The tighter tolerances...