| Gallery, Projects and General > Project Logs |
| Titivating a Wire EDM Machine |
| << < (29/35) > >> |
| awemawson:
Thanks Tim, it certainly is a bit prettier than when I got it, AND it now works :ddb: Still loads to learn about the nuances of the programming - quite a bit of subtlety involved to get a decent rate of cutting without breaking the wire. I scored an ebay triumph for it the other day - nine 8 kg rolls of the brass wire - 72 kgs of wire - should out last me even at my current enthusiastic rate of use |
| awemawson:
Been cogitating on the power this machine consumes - the book of words says that it needs a 7kW three phase supply, and if it genuinely is pulling 7kW all the time it's running, at 14 pence per unit that soon mounts up. So I thought that I'd measure it. Although I have a 'spare' three phase certified meter sitting on the shelf, it's not the easiest thing to lash up temporarily, as it has to be mounted so that the back is vertical. I fixed up my 'Owl' 'Intelligent Wireless Energy Monitor', using three current transformers feeding it's transmitter - one on each phase. For current monitoring and test purposes I have a 16 amp 'commando' plug wired to a cable mounted socket using 4 mm 'singles' cable that allow the current transformers to clip on to them. Firing up the machine it was interesting to monitor it. On the back of the cabinet there is an isolator, which if turned 'on' feeds power to a three phase transformer in the de-ioniser unit, as well as to the main unit, but the main unit only powers up when the 'On' button is pressed. It's quite easy to forget the isolator and just press the 'Off' button on the machine - turns out that that transformer is drawing 150 watts just idling and not powering anything :bugeye: Must remember to isolate! Anyway the power with everything running is less than 3 kW so not as bad as I had feared - but still about £0.37 per hour just for electricity ! |
| millwright:
So cutting that gear cost you £1.11p in elecricity, not taking your time and material cost into account or other workshop costs (lighting, heating and air). I dont think thats bad at all. Good job theres no charge for all the time you have spent getting it back on line. i have enjoyed the log with all its trials and tribulations. what you have achieved is a bit beyond me but has been good to follow, as was the Traub lathe. :clap: :clap: :clap: hope they can pay for their keep now. John |
| awemawson:
Thanks for the kind words John. No way will they ever earn their keep (other than in enjoyment) as I refuse to take paying jobs. I retired to leave that sort of stress behind. No problem helping friends out, but as soon as it becomes commercial obligations come with it. The previous owner of the Fanuc Tapecut wanted me to do some work for him and his customers, but I've refused for these reasons. I do these machines for the enjoyment that they give me with their challenges. Pig headedness really, as if someone says something can't be fixed I rise to it! |
| Will_D:
And "TG" for people like you! |
| Navigation |
| Message Index |
| Next page |
| Previous page |