Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] interesting HEXAPOD development using any bridgeport

>
> By swinging the head of a bridgeport around 180 degrees
> to the back of the machine, and placing a Hexapod platform
> there, and locking the quill in place, one can achieve 5 axis
> machining - see description and pictures here:
>
> http://www.mmsonline.com/articles/0900rt1.html
>
> Doug Fortune
>

I remember the original article that appeared in Design News (or some
engineering pub.) about this machine several years ago. Two engineers from
Giddings and Lewis developed it in a home basement using a coffee table for
the base. G&L built one and took it to IMTS where it was received with a
"cute, but certainly not worth seven hundred and fifty grand" response.

The interesting thing was that the designers were awarded a "pioneering
patent", meaning there was no prior art. So who is behind Hexel? Are these
the engineers that worked for G&L?

Doug Harrison