Re: Getting started in EDM

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "friendlyquietme"
<oneshotonex@h...> wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
> I've checked out a bunch of files and past posts and it seems like
> there are some really cool things going on here. The EDM-related
> stuff is meager though. What's up with that?
>
> I borrowed a copy of Bud Guitreau's EDM Handbook from the library

and

> that's been informative, though I haven't read it all the way

through

> yet. Who's got the hardcore info to help an electronics guy get
> started? I'd love to hear from anyone similarly interested.
>
> Carl

Hi Carl,

The EDM stuff that is freely available is basic dark ages stuff.

The major players keep the real good info close to the vest and since
that is their whole income, you could not pry it away.

There are a lot of pieces that are available.

the R/C (1950's) technology seems the most common and will work for
the home shop to a degree.

long deep holes are problematic for a non-rotation plunge style.

the goal of a pulse driver is elusive and I guess that anybody that
figures it out keeps that close to the vest too.

The how too books, the Langolis and Fleming ones, are both the R/C
style, langolis uses a stepper and Fleming uses a vibrator.

I think there are a lot of us on here that have built one of those
for the fun, but if you want to make a buck in the trade, consider
watching e-bay for a used unit. probably under a grand, and probably
about what a good home-brew will cost, but light years better in
operation.

There was mention of a kit/machine recently for a grand, a tap
buster, but unless the accuracy of the head is darn near perfect, a
deep hole of an inch will be really hard to obtain, and a 2 inch hole
will take hours with an RC machine.

Bottom line: Hard core data stuff is not common.

A wire EDM will be even harder to make with software and 4 axis
movement, but there are those who have done it.

That is my take on it, and I am also looking for more data on the
better quality stuff.

Dave