Re: Home page pic

Hi Dave,

Thanks for posting the photo of the little machine. I think it does
require a bit of explanation as to it's function and purposes so if
you don't mind I will clarify all that here...

This machine started out with a simply purpose, to be used as a
plotter for some motion control software I am writing/converting. I
wrote some CNC simulation software that is a commercial product -
(that is no longer for sale).

Anyway, seeing as I had the interpreters written for lathe and mills
and the graphics plotting etc., I figured it wouldn't be too much
more work to take it to the next level of motion control as well.

I am also learning about electronics and micro controllers etc. So
I decided to combine all of this into a single project - the
minimill you see in that photo. Just to clarify, the motion control
software, related circuits and the machine are NOT COMMERCIAL
products, it is stricly something for me to further explore CNC at a
deeper level.

As this isn't for profit, I am doing my darndest to make if fun.
Somewhere along the way, I got to thinking that this little machine
could be more than just a plotter. So, I provided the mounting for
a pnuematic spindle in case I wanted to do more with it and now that
has changed as well...

With the motion control hardware/software nearly completed (only the
hard parts left to do ;-)), I got a crazy idea that it would be fun
to add an electric spindle to the headstock, then this led to the
idea of a tool changer, which led to the need for a tool magazine.

I just finished designing and building a new headstock for it that
provides all the functions to have an automatic tool changers. The
driver circuits and controller circuits and micro-software are being
tested this weekend. Integration into the CNC simulation software
will also be done today if life cooperates.

While the main goal of gaining a deeper understanding of motion
control is still primary, this project has really been a great
learning experience for electronics and micro controllers. It has
also been a ton of fun as I dream up new stuff to add to it all the
time which provides for many more learning experiences with
electronics and micros. It appears as though when I am done with
this machine (if I am ever done with it), it should be a really good
PCB manufacturing machine tool. It will have a 38 tool magazine
that can hold all the tools for PCB millling/drilling and the
ability to automatically change tools, measure their lengths and
diameters etc.

The CNC simulation software that is being converted for this use is
also moving along very well. As with any project of this size and
scale, to keep it all fun, I just work on what seems interesting for
the day when I roll out of bed.

If Dave (and the group) would like, I can provide many more photos
during the comming months.

So, that's it in a nutshell.

Chris










--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "turbulatordude"
<dave_mucha@...> wrote:

>
> Hi all,
>
> New pic on the home page again.
>
> I hope you all got a chance to see the WoodDuck. Look for more
> announcements on it.
>
> The picture now is courtesy of our friend, Chris aka LDCPublishing
>
> As I understand, the unit has a air spindle, so, that would be the
> tube you see. the air line.
>
> This is not a commercial machine, just one he made while learning
> about CNC and electronics.
>
> Chris, if you want to offer more details, or correct anything I

said,

> please do.
>
> Dave
>