Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Spindal options

BIll,

I have used the Porter Cable #7310 Laminate Trimmer for about a year and a
half on my Stewart Platform (hexapod) CNC machine
(http://www.foxkid.net/cmm/platform/project-notebook.html). It is very
high speed (30K RPM). So far, I've used it on soft and hard woods,
linoleum, aluminum sheet, and aluminum blocks/plate (alloy 6061T6).

For aluminum, I have to control the feed rate to keep the tool from
stalling, the bit from overheating, and the aluminum melting into a
mess. The feed rate for aluminum depends on the chip load, since the
spindle is underpowered for deep or aggressive cuts. It does, however, do
the job. I have pictures on my web pages of some of the results.

For wood (pine, poplar, and oak), I cut at the machine's fastest speed,
about 3/4 ips depending on where in the working volume I'm cutting. With
1/4" carbide router bits (and smaller) the laminate trimmer is sufficiently
powerful.

For my next machine, which will move about 5x faster, I'm looking at having
interchangeable spindles. These are likely to include:

1) the column assembly from a mini-mill. ~1/2 HP DC motor with speed
control, 2 gear ratios. I want this for milling steel and better milling
aluminum

2) either the Porter Cable 3 1/4 HP speed controlled router, or the Makita
2 1/2 HP similar router. This would be for higher speed wood routing, and
possible aluminum cutting, depending on how it compares with #1. Top speed
is lower than #3. Bottom speed is higher than #1. Raw power is the
highest of the options.

3) the laminate trimmer like I have now, unless I find a good choice for #4.

4) a higher RPM spindle for grinding. Maybe something like 50K-150K RPM

This is the wish list. Check with me in a few months to see what I've
actually done :)


Your machine looks like it was a lot of fun to build, and should work well
for you. Good luck with hooking it all together. I'd also appreciate info
about the choice you make.

-- Carl

For my next machine At 07:36 PM 12/9/2002 +0000, you wrote:

>I posted this question a few weeks ago and got a lot of good reply's.
>I am narrowing down my choices.
>
>Has anyone used the Kress 1-1/4HP variable speed router? Any comments?
>http://www.techno-isel.com/CNC_Routers/Spindles/variable.htm
>
>My other choices include:
>1.Foredom TMX 1/3HP flexshaft with a 25H handpiece.
> (variable speed up to 15000rpm, flexability and access )
>2. Sherline headstock
> (stiff spindle, 10000 rpm)
>3. Dewalt laminate trimmer with a router speed control. (can't find
>much info on a router speed control)
>
>I got my project bolted together and running. It gets to be fun when
>you can move XYZ around. Posted a couple of new pictures.
>http://hometown.aol.com/wjbzone/index.html
>
>Thanks
>Bill
>
>
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Carl Mikkelsen
Oasis Semiconductor, Inc.
201 Jones Road
Waltham, MA 02451
(781) 647 8775