CAD CAM EDM DRO - Yahoo Group Archive

4th Axis

Posted by Frank
on 2008-04-01 17:24:58 UTC
I want to create a 4th axis for my gantry mill. I plan to use a
1:100 harmonic drive to directly turn the work piece. Aluminium is
the hardest material I will machine.

I have a few questions.

Firstly, I'd like to be able to use my collection of 9x20 lathe
chucks and face plates, but they are threaded, with a simple grub
screw to help hold in place.

Will a threaded chuck unscrew?

How hard is it to make a spindle that will take a camlock? Any plans
anywhere?

If I get a dedicated chuck and bolt this directly to the spindle,
what is more useful? 3 jaw, 4 jaw, face plate, something else?

On to using it. How do you find the centre of rotation in Z and Y?
Is this just a case of chucking a precision round bar and probing?
Or is there another way? I don't expect my 4th Axis to be
permanently mounted, so I'll need to do for each different project.

Thanks,
Frank

Discussion Thread

Frank 2008-04-01 17:24:58 UTC 4th Axis carbonsteelsam 2008-04-01 18:57:29 UTC Re: 4th Axis