RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Router collets. an alternative

Dave,

I could certainly run mutiple heads, but it of course
would tend to reduce the work envelope.

Since I don't have to worry about tool height with my
router bit toolholders changes are really quick anyway.
Loosen the collet nut, pull the holder, slam the next
holder home, tighten, hit resume.

With the raised letter signs I do I find about a
four to one diameter ratio gives the lowest machining
time for two passes. Millwrite 2000 is very good with
automatically making cleanup passes with a smaller tool
to take care of inside corners etc. Often this will be
a 1" and 1/4" diameter for large stuff, 1/2" and 1/8"
for medium, and in the case of the electronic prototype
work I am doing righ now .02" and 0.005" end mills for
the tiny 10 pt logo carved in the unit. They all just
slip right in the 1/2" Porter Cable collet with the
same height.

By the way...I notice one manufacturer is making 0.0009"
diameter end mills! I'll have to try one of those next
time I need to cnc carve a logo on the head of a pin!
The are more commonly used for cnc milling surface
mount PCBs I think.

Les

Leslie M.Watts
L M Watts Furniture
Tiger Georgia USA
(706) 212-0242
http://www.lmwatts.com
Engineering page:
http://www.lmwatts.com/shop.html
CNC surplus for sale:
http://www.lmwatts.com/forsale.html
CNC carved signs:
http://www.lmwatts.com/signwp.html




-----Original Message-----
From: turbulatordude [mailto:davemucha@...]
Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2003 10:28 AM
To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Router collets. an alternative


After reading the thread, two options came to mind.

One is to use a head unit for small machines. the sherline head unit
can be bought seperatly and one can put on most any motor. This is
almost an simple solution. If someone selling these was clever
enough to offer it as a 'kit' or something. Personally, I could
never find that darn thing in all the price pages matrixes. would up
building my own.

Les, maybe you could add a second head on your unit to reduce tool
changes ? Just for the tiny tools ?