Re: machining ballscrews

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., stratton@m... wrote:
> > Chris,
> >
> > Do you have some feeds/speeds/insert types for us to use doing
this?
>
> Sure, but you probably won't like them...
>
> Insert: the little double-sided triangular ones I bought 10
> of... whatever carbide grade is appropriate for steel.
>
> Speed: as fast as the old south bend would turn, or maybe one step
> down from that
>
> Feed: real low until under the thread root, then whatever gives good
> finish. I think I probably did a lot of machining off the thread
> feeding by hand.
>
> My point is that it's really not that big a deal - sure I probably
> broke at least one corner of the insert by feeding too fast, but
this
> is entirely doable by a hobbyist on a manual lathe. Don't worry
about
> making a mess while cutting off the threads, just choose bearing a
bit
> smaller than the root so you can clean up with a few uninterrupted
> cuts.
>
> I consulted the catalog of 1/64" and metric collets and ordered one
> that held the outside of the ballscrew, but the spring in the thread
> groove sounds like it could be more accurate if one could find an
> appropriate size spring and collet.
>
> Chris
>
> --
> Christopher C. Stratton, stratton@m...
> Instrument Maker, Horn Player & Engineer
> 22 Adrian Street, Somerville, MA 02143
> http://www.mdc.net/~stratton
> NEW PHONE NUMBER: (617) 628-1062 home, 253-2606 MIT