Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Cost estimate for machining of acme screws

JanRwl@... wrote:

>In a message dated 11/15/2002 8:32:38 PM Central Standard Time,
>thomasm923@... writes:
>
>
>
>>Just wondering what the going rate would be?
>>
>>
>>
>Tom: Here (Houston), the smaller shops charge $100 and more per hour, and
>most have a "$100 minimum".
>
>I have done "[ACME-]screw ends" so they would properly fit ball-bearings, and
>that takes some time! You not only have to use a brass sleeve over the
>screw, where the chuck "bites down" on the O.D. thereof, and "fit" that,
>before use, etc., but you have to SLOW DOWN when you approach the final
>shaft-diameter, and "mike often", to make sure you don't "go a thousandth
>under", etc. This takes MUCH more time than just whacking off 1/2" of
>diameter of the end of a length of round bar-stock!
>
>It wouldn't surprise me to read/hear that SOME busy shops "up north" charge
>on up to $250/hour for "routine work" even a 3-year apprentice can handle!
>
>

From what I hear, there are NO busy shops! Everything is slow, most of
the machinists and
tool and die makers I know are laid off.

Given a lathe that can accept the screw through the spindle, it just
isn't much of a problem.
A tool post grinder is a big help in getting it smooth and on diameter.
I've done this on some
REALLY hard ballscrews.

Jon