Gallery, Projects and General > Project Logs
Building a milling machine
superc:
Hi Norman.
I like your concept. I note that you too feel an overhang of the mill head is (or should be) allowing greater Y axis travel. That was the approach in my own speculation at http://madmodder.net/index.php/topic,9585.0.html about how parts from an X2 (or SX2) could be used to build a better milling machine. I had already mentioned to a third party how where my design suffered was in my inability to come up with a ram head type mount for the mill head that would allow swiveling or angle adjustments. Looks like you solved it and also the issue of designing a knee for yours.
My biggest concern is your decision to make the body out of aluminum. I forsee both acoustical and rigidity issues. I believe going with green sand cast iron may be a better choice, but I will shut up now. I look forward to seeing how this develops.
NormanV:
Yes Superc I read your post about your milling machine. The tube that I have used is long enough for me to adjust the overhang but it is not my intention to have it as an adjustment to use in the operation of the machine. I intend to set it the once and lock it in position when it is set in the best position.
As for rigidity I am making the aluminium quite thick, typically 18mm and I will fill all the voids with concrete or an epoxy based filler when it is complete. I hope that that will be sufficient.
Norman
NormanV:
I was particularly pleased with how the casting for the hold down caps on the tube turned out. It is the most complicated pattern so far and I was concerned over how easily it would release from the sand but I had allowed plenty of draught and it released easily. I used the steel tube as a former for the curved section to save having to machine it. I smoked it with a candle and it released easily.
superc:
Sir, regardless of intended use today, I salute you for coming up with a doable design that does indeed allow both Y axis adjustment and also angling of the head if so desired. You may wish to think about putting a key way into the clamp and a key into the pipe so as to prevent any tendency for the head to cause the pipe to pivot (i.e., angle).
rick barnes:
I really like that idea. Is there any problems with moving the Z axis from below the table as far as rigidity is concerned?
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