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IndustryArena Forum > CAM Software > BobCad-Cam > Milling Wrench Flats
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
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    356

    Milling Wrench Flats

    This is not a BobCad problem, but I know there are some really smart guys on here and I really don't want to hear all of the BS on the General Forum. I have been having a problem machine wrench flats on some round parts. I have the same problem on my cnc mill and the manual mill. First off I am using two square collet blocks, not imported ones. I am holding the rod on each side of the area that I want to mill the flat on. The problem I have is that the flats are not the same depths. One side will be deeper than the other. I am setting the blocks on parallels, machining in the Y axis. I am careful to place the blocks on the parallels and I even tap them down before tightening the vise. Both blocks are clamped in one vise, although I had the same exact problem on a longer part where the blocks were held in separate vises. The only thing I can think of is the blocks may not be parallel?? I'm pretty sure that it's not operator error, but you never know! I'll check the runout of the part, but I don't think there is enough to be causing this problem. I did check my Z height when I previously experienced this problem, if I remember correctly it was about 0.003" - 0.005". I haven't measured what my flats are but you can easily see that the flats aren't the same depth. Any thoughts??
    Mighty Viper VMC-950, Acromax MX-16, Bridgeport Boss 5, Tongil Panther ST-20, Bridgeport-Romi PowerPath 15, Lagun FTV-2, BobCAD V26,V25, Dolphin V13

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Posts
    3376
    I will tell you the ideal way to check things.Surface plate with height gauge/with indicator in it.Set gauge for height on part for one side,then rotate ,compare measurement,repeat.You can apply what I just said in the mill by using indicator in drill chuck and collet holder on mill bed.
    I manual machine about the majority of my parts.That being said,if you do much of any kind of collet indexing,you need to get a 5c collet indexer.It is a must if manual machining much.You will never use those collet blocks again.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails indexer.JPG  

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    4548
    Those wrench flats are practically invisible!!!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    4252
    A photo of your config would be really helpful.

    I machine a lot of flats on small rounds, no problem at all.

    Cheers

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    3206
    Sounds like the collet block's outside is not concentric with the inside, or you're using a lousy collet that isn't clean, or something...
    It's really that simple.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
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    3376
    A pic would be helpful.I am trying to figure out why it is that you are using 2 collet blocks? ?Not too many parts would require that.And if you needed support on the other end I can think of at least 3 ways off the top of my head that would be faster,easier,repeatable,and just better.Pic of what the set-up is with part,I would be glad to make suggestions for best way.Done so many hexes and flats,I would hate to guess how many.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    356
    I'll post a pic tomorrow. The collets are Crawford brand, they are new and haven't been used much. I don't notice any runout when using them in the lathe. I have had the same problem machining the wrench flats with two different sizes of collets, makes me suspect that fizzissist is correct about the collet block. The reason for two collet blocks is the parts are sometimes are long and there are flats at each end of the part.
    Mighty Viper VMC-950, Acromax MX-16, Bridgeport Boss 5, Tongil Panther ST-20, Bridgeport-Romi PowerPath 15, Lagun FTV-2, BobCAD V26,V25, Dolphin V13

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    227
    Is most likely the collet blocks. Is the time a height gauge comes in real handy!
    It is staggering how quickly a machinist' eye will be drawn to a size difference of only a few thousands of an inch.

    Remember also... The length of the chord is affected at both ends for a change in base radius. Meaning any discrepancy in Z, is "double" error in the chord length (as your eyes show)

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    356
    Here's a pic of my setup. I checked the block with an indicator, within .002" on all four sides. I'm about ready to get another set of blocks.

    Attachment 183676
    Mighty Viper VMC-950, Acromax MX-16, Bridgeport Boss 5, Tongil Panther ST-20, Bridgeport-Romi PowerPath 15, Lagun FTV-2, BobCAD V26,V25, Dolphin V13

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    227
    lets use that .002 off...
    the arc highly effects the width of the flat. At that diameter (.5?), a .002" Z shift, means a difference of .0046" in surface width for the matching 180 flat. Your eyes will see the 2% change rather easily.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
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    3376
    Are you sure something like my pic isn't going on?Also,a Little support on the very end would help.Maybe Planar Shaper Gauge,or tail stock center .

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
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    227
    I didn't think he had any taper issues....hmmm

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
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    664
    sounds like your center of rotation is off

  14. #14
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    Sep 2007
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    356
    holbieone, what do you mean? concentricity?
    Mighty Viper VMC-950, Acromax MX-16, Bridgeport Boss 5, Tongil Panther ST-20, Bridgeport-Romi PowerPath 15, Lagun FTV-2, BobCAD V26,V25, Dolphin V13

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    356
    I don't have a taper issue, I have used an extra block on the end of the longer rods to add stability. I know there can be some error in the material itself, but I can't believe it's what I'm seeing.
    Mighty Viper VMC-950, Acromax MX-16, Bridgeport Boss 5, Tongil Panther ST-20, Bridgeport-Romi PowerPath 15, Lagun FTV-2, BobCAD V26,V25, Dolphin V13

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Posts
    783
    Is the collet bore perfectly centered in the block? Are you just flipping the block upside down in the vise or rotating the part in the collet between sides?

    Sent from tapatalk

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
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    356
    Flipping the block.
    Mighty Viper VMC-950, Acromax MX-16, Bridgeport Boss 5, Tongil Panther ST-20, Bridgeport-Romi PowerPath 15, Lagun FTV-2, BobCAD V26,V25, Dolphin V13

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    664
    Quote Originally Posted by ranchak View Post
    Flipping the block.

    i was think of the error you would get by rotating or flipping the block

    remember any error you get on one side is double by flipping

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
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    783
    Touch off the z on each side

    Sent from tapatalk

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
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    3376
    Quote Originally Posted by jrmach View Post
    Are you sure something like my pic isn't going on?Also,a Little support on the very end would help.Maybe Planar Shaper Gauge,or tail stock center .
    To elaborate a little further,,,,,the pic I am showing is exaggerated,but if the taper that is ground in the collet holder is at an angle,this is the result you would see.Indicate top of PART,go to other side of collet(rear side) check height of PART.Rotate collet BLOCK,repeat.Total of 8 measurements.Your material is straight,right?

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