Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Complete Beginner (sherline cnc)

Rob,

While none of the basic machining operations are particularly difficult,
there is a considerable amount of artistry in creating certain types of
parts. the artistry generally manifests itself in the set-up phase of the
work. How do I mount the piece of stock securely and still cut the
direction that I need to without interference. In what order should I cut
the many facets of a particular part, etc. etc.

These are things that are best taught by experience, and that will be the
most difficult part of your learning curve. The set-up artistry is the same
whether you will be cutting manually or with CNC (for the most part). The
Sherline lathe and mill is an excellent value given its quality construction
and MANY modular components which work on both the lathe and mill. Make
sure that you will not be limited by the small working size of the Sherline.
If you will have larger parts to make then consider a larger machine.

However, if the parts will be small then the Sherline is a great choice, but
I would start with a manual machine. learn how to turn some metal parts
before investing in a CNC set-up. A manual machine (and some creativity)
can produce many amazingly detailed and difficult projects. You can then
build a CNC from your manual machines, or sell them on eBay (they go for
quite a bit used) and buy a CNC-ready Sherline and a conversion kit, or a
built machine.

I am in the process of converting my Sherline 5000 mill. I have just spent
the day soldering the Camtronics 3-axis 2A driver board.

HTH,

Daniel J. Statman, Statman Designs
http://members.rennlist.com/statmandesigns

----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob" <robv@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2001 8:47 PM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Complete Beginner (sherline cnc)


> For years I have been into numerous hobbies where I end up creating
> specialized parts. Recently I've gotten into R/C Helicopters and
> found that there are a million parts that can be reproduced at home
> that are far better than what comes in the original kit. The parts
> that I create are very simple and created using tools such as hand
> drills and dremels. I'm thinking of dropping some $$ on a Sherline
> CNC mill and lathe so I can start creating some more advanced parts
> out of better materials (i.e. aluminum). The reason I'd like to go
> with a CNC setup is because I'd like to create a number of the same
> part and then sell them to other R/C hobbyists.
>
> OK.. So my questions.
>
> Is it very difficult for a beginner to get into home machining?
> (I've very mechanically and technically skilled - I'm a software
> engineer by trade)
>
> Is going with the Sherline CNC Mill and Lathe a good choice?
>
> Am I crazy with this idea?
>
> Thanks in advance for you help.
>
> Rob
>
>
>
>
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