Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Wire EDM

turbulatordude wrote:

> Gotta love Google
>
> did a Google search for "Jon Elson EDM"
>
> and got this url
> http://www.artsci.wustl.edu/~jmelson/edm.html
>
> pretty cool huh ?
>
> My question is.... can you use an ARC welding machine ?
> seems the power is there. I just don't know about the power
> regulation.

Well, a basic stick welder (SMAW?) is mostly a constant current
source in the normal operating region, that is the opposite of an
EDM machine. It would tend to weld your electrode to the workpiece.
The EDM produces very short bursts of high current, then the voltage
drops to allow the arc to die.

> It also seems that there is a reaction zone as the electrode
> approaches the part the flow begins to increase until metal starts to
> move. then as the proximity of the electrode and part increase,
> there is a point where there is a small enough gap that the arc jumps
> with no restriction and a short circuit is created. then you need to
> pull back and start again.

Yes, I found that rotating a round electrode and keeping the feed VERY
slow was important for burning out taps. That is pretty much the same as
making any round hole with EDM.

Jon