Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Work layout questions

ballendo wrote:

>Hello all,
>
>A quick question> Which side of the mill and/or Lathe do you set up
>your computer screen and keyboard?
>

I put mine on the right side, mure due to the shape of the casting, and the
fact there is a door on the left side. I don't use the door for any
purpose,
however. I made a bracket that allowed me to attach a discarded
monitor/keyboard arm to hold the monitor and kbd. See
http://jelinux.pico-systems.com/bridgeport.html for a truly awful
picture of this setup. (I have a new digital camera, I need to make new
pictures.)

>Third question> How far away is your drive box from your mill or
>lathe? (What I'm really wondering is how many inches of cable does it
>take to go from the mill to your drive box?)
>
>

I have about 20' of cable there. It is amazing how much cableit takes
to keep it out of your way. Maybe my setup is a bad one, as I have to
take the cables up to the ceiling, rather than having a lump to walk over
all the time.

>Fourth question>Where is the drive box in relation to the cnc tool?
>
>

It is a 3' electronic equipment rack, with a custom rack-mount computer,
servo amps and aux control relays, etc, as well as servo power supply.
Unused space in the rack was filled with a custom-made drawer for
measuring instruments, drill bits, indicators, etc. I got a plastic tool
rack, sold for screwdrivers and such, but it makes a great holder for about
10 R-8 toolholders, drill chucks, etc. I mounted it on the side of the
rack.
This rack is directly in FRONT of the mill, behind you as you would
stand in front of it. I modified a secretary's roll-around chair with an
extension, making it similar to a draftsman's chair. I can sit at a height
convenient to brush chips, change parts or tools, reach the kbd and mouse,
see the screen, and also swivel and reach the tool rack or drawer behind
me. This SURE beats standing at the mill for 8 hours straight.
You can see the rack, but not the drawer or tool rack, in the top
picture : http://jelinux.pico-systems.com/EMC.html

When the Sheldon lathe is moved into position, I will probably move the
rack to the right side of the mill, but position it so the drawer and tool
rack are convenient to reach. (This will also get it out from under the
kitchen, which has led to a few leaks. Nothing like dirty water all over
hundreds of $ worth of collets and toolholders!)

Jon