toolchange idea for small mills wasRe: To tool change, or not...

Rab--how exciting!!! Please keep us posted on your progress on the
5th axis concept. The thought of doing this to my little Maxnc makes
me drool!
One of my earlier thoughts was to have a single power source for the
turret spindles much like a Burgmaster except would drive from above
possibly using the existing motor with a driveshaft and spur gear
extending down behind the turret. Each spindle would have a
matching spur (helical?) gear to present to the driver gear when
indexed to machining position. Disadvantage would be the spindle
would always have to be in vertical position for machining.
Nelson

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "rainnea" <rab@r...> wrote:
>
> > Another thought would be to mount the turret head on a miniature
> > rotary table like the 4th axis on the Maxnc, Sherline etc. Use
the
> > stepper or servo to index the turret as well as position to any
> > machining angle. Problem here is we're starting to hang a lot of
> > weight on the Z axis but imagine the possibilities. Could really
> > make use of the multi axis capabilities of the upcoming Master6.
> > Nelson
>
> I've got a Sherline CNC ready rotary table on order for my Taig
mill
> to try out the 5th axis concept, by mounting it on the Z-axis slide.
> Although I'm looking for a lightweight rotary table to mount on a
> gantry router I'm designing as I think the Sherline table will be
too
> heavy for that machine.
> see:
> http://www.rainnea.com/cnc_machinery.htm
>
> The idea of mounting two or three cutters on this sounds like it
> should work IF I can find small lightweight spindles still
powerfull
> enough to work for routing wood.
> Can anyone recommend a manufacurer of suitable air powered
spindles,
> would an air-powered die grinder be a suitable option ?
>
> Rab