Not new to the DIY CNC game I was one who caught the bug and went DIY CNC throughout my hobby life. Typical story, built the first machine, used it to build the second, used the second to build the final 3rd CNC router. Then I converted a lathe. ha
My CNC Router is heavy, with a big heavy gantry. I use twin steppers on the Y pushing it with long lead screws. Using closed loop steppers it runs very well. The 2.2kw spindle is a little too small and fast, but sitting on the 45kg gantry works well off the stable platform it is sitting on. I have been using it mostly for timber, with a bit of alloy in between when needed. I use a 2 flute carbide cutter on just over half speed (approx 13000 RPM for alloy. Small cuts, and it sings through alloy nicely spitting bits of swarf out well.
I have been asked to produce some parts out of alloy, and want to setup proper to do the job well. The alloy stock is going to be quite thick. So I have a couple of questions, I think I know the answer but if someone is experienced here I would really like to hear thoughts:
1: On the above machine, I need to mill some pieces of alloy out 40mm thick. Using my 6mm 2 flute bit, it only has 25mm of flute depth (some endmills even less), the remainder being shank. Do I just continue to drop down into the work-piece with a cutter like this, or do I need to go out and buy a 2 flute bit with a 40+ mm cutting section? Know what I mean? Whats normal here?
2: I have a nice easy system of probing. Using the machine earth, and a moveable plate, I set my tool Z zero, and the X/Y by putting this plate between the workpiece and the end-mill using mach 3. Very effective, well for timber anyway. Anyone know of a probe with a spring ball on the end that would sit in a ER20 chuck? One that I can wire into my BOB? I will need this to setup alloy stock blocks on the table.
3: Anyone ever heard of a quick change chuck or tool-change assy that would go onto an ER20 spindle? That would be COOL!!! Imagine, your little spindle, click click, new different end mill without haveing to undo the collet.
Be good to hear thoughts
Boydage