Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Building router, what to do with 4th axis

In a message dated 11/25/2003 10:46:49 PM Central Standard Time,
mycamel@... writes:
I would like to use the A axis, but don't know how or what to use it for.
Mike: The one huge X-Y Router-Table I built in '86 had to be able to
do various size ROUND holes in plywood, and fly-cutting was out due to the
great total delay of changing tooling (or, at least dia.-setting). So, I
mounted the router motor on a carosel in such a way that the router-axis could be
moved away from center via that A-axis. Used a stepper for that move, so the
distance could be specified in the software, and had a "home-zero" switch for
that mechanism so the machine would "confirm" it had returned to "zero" (both
axes coincident) when the hole-dia. desired was the same as the ¼" solid-carbide
bit. Used a gear-motor to rotate the carosel at ca. 30 RPM . Worked fine,
but WHAT a hassle to design! It was not complex, no, but for ONE ol' boy in
his home-shop, WHEW! Never again!

So, if your need ever includes such a "tool-changer on the fly", THAT's what
your A-axis is for!

Jan Rowland


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