[mark.browne]

I am working through the design of a 5 axis metal cutting mill. I am satisfied with the basic 3 axis table. I want to add rotary-tilt axis. The eventual application is to make turbine components.

I intend to use a trailer axle and hub for each axis for the key moving structure, two on the tilt, and one on the rotary table. They are cheap, strong, and can be adjusted for zero backlash.

As I am new to metal work I don't have any experience programming and using the extra axis so I don't know the mundane details of what works and what does not. I am hoping that the CNCzone people can shed some light here.

Question:
Is it better to mount the tilt axis on the rotary table, or the rotary table on the tilt axis?

Since my plan is a support on both ends of the tilt bed I assume that it will be stiffer. My inclination is to mount the tilt axis to the XY table and mount the rotary table to the middle of the tilt bed.

Will this cause any problems in when cutting parts?

Mark Browne

[turmite]

Mark what you are describing sounds like a trunnion table. Dan B. from there on the zone works for a company that uses this set-up. If he doesn't chime in here soon, send him a pm. He is a wealth of info and a good guy to boot.

Mike