MadModder

The Shop => Tools => Topic started by: DeereGuy on March 22, 2009, 05:43:51 PM

Title: Testing out the New Mill and DRO
Post by: DeereGuy on March 22, 2009, 05:43:51 PM
Hi gang, I made this a few weeks ago to get a feel for how the new mill and dro were going to do.  I normally don't bother bluing however there have been times on a more complicated part I should have.

Any way here are some pics I took during the build.  I know these are cheap to buy but I enjoy making them and wanted to see how the accuracy and repeatablity of the DRO worked.

First step was to square the block of CRS up:
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/Deere_X475guy/Machine%20Shop/tools/Tool%20Post%20Holder/IMG00084-20090228-2211.jpg)

Next I cut the tool holder slot 5/8ths using a 4 flute 1/2" end mill.  I have an AXA set but I cut all my own holders to 5/8ths:

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/Deere_X475guy/Machine%20Shop/tools/Tool%20Post%20Holder/IMG00085-20090301-1912.jpg)

Next I laid on my bluing and scribed where I wanted the cuts and holes:
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/Deere_X475guy/Machine%20Shop/tools/Tool%20Post%20Holder/IMG00087-20090307-1821.jpg)

After cutting away most of the metal for the dovetail with a 3/4" roughing end mill I was ready to cut the dovetails in:

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/Deere_X475guy/Machine%20Shop/tools/Tool%20Post%20Holder/IMG00088-20090308-1021.jpg)

Testing for fit, was spot on the first time:
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/Deere_X475guy/Machine%20Shop/tools/Tool%20Post%20Holder/IMG00089-20090308-1147.jpg)

The set screw holes are now drilled and taped:
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/Deere_X475guy/Machine%20Shop/tools/Tool%20Post%20Holder/IMG00092-20090308-1303.jpg)

Almost done:
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/Deere_X475guy/Machine%20Shop/tools/Tool%20Post%20Holder/IMG00093-20090308-1512.jpg)

Here it is in the tool holder ready for a tool:

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/Deere_X475guy/Machine%20Shop/tools/Tool%20Post%20Holder/IMG00094-20090308-1551.jpg)


I like to have enough of these so that I can keep all my tooling set to the correct height and same z depth on all.  By having the same z depth I don't have to re-zero everytime I change a tool.  I can always come within .002 and that is close enough for most of what I do.  And if I have to adjust to get close I use an incremental setting.  Thus keeping my absolute the same all the time.

Title: Re: Testing out the New Mill and DRO
Post by: Darren on March 22, 2009, 05:51:44 PM

I like to have enough of these so that I can keep all my tooling set to the correct height and same z depth on all.  By having the same z depth I don't have to re-zero everytime I change a tool.  I can always come within .002 and that is close enough for most of what I do.  And if I have to adjust to get close I use an incremental setting.  Thus keeping my absolute the same all the time.



Now that's food for thought, thank you for adding that in I shall make good use of that info.. :thumbup:

Very nicely done and shown, thank you  :clap:
Title: Re: Testing out the New Mill and DRO
Post by: bogstandard on March 22, 2009, 06:08:48 PM
Very nice indeed.

I know how you feel about tool holders, mine are breeding fast, but can never keep up with demand.

I notice you have a very similar lathe to mine, only my cross slide DRO head is mounted on the other side. I have the problem of having no cross slide lock due to it being covered by the read head, but I can see by having it on the way yours is, would limit me on swing size, as I use the face plate a fair amount.

John
Title: Re: Testing out the New Mill and DRO
Post by: DeereGuy on March 22, 2009, 06:24:53 PM
Very nice indeed.

I know how you feel about tool holders, mine are breeding fast, but can never keep up with demand.

I notice you have a very similar lathe to mine, only my cross slide DRO head is mounted on the other side. I have the problem of having no cross slide lock due to it being covered by the read head, but I can see by having it on the way yours is, would limit me on swing size, as I use the face plate a fair amount.

John

Hi John thank you.
I mounted it on this side because of the lock being on the other side.  The shooting star dro I had on this was on the other side and I really missed not being able to lock the cross slide.  I haven't had a problem yet with clearance but I may some where along the line.

BTW this lathe was bought new 5 years ago and has served me well, I am sure yours will do the same.
Title: Re: Testing out the New Mill and DRO
Post by: DeereGuy on March 22, 2009, 06:26:56 PM

I like to have enough of these so that I can keep all my tooling set to the correct height and same z depth on all.  By having the same z depth I don't have to re-zero everytime I change a tool.  I can always come within .002 and that is close enough for most of what I do.  And if I have to adjust to get close I use an incremental setting.  Thus keeping my absolute the same all the time.



Now that's food for thought, thank you for adding that in I shall make good use of that info.. :thumbup:

Very nicely done and shown, thank you  :clap:

Thanks Daren, I have to keep my shop time to a small amount for awhile so this fit the need.  I am glad I was able to pass this on.:)
Title: Re: Testing out the New Mill and DRO
Post by: bogstandard on March 22, 2009, 06:36:05 PM
I know it is going a bit off  :offtopic:, but I thought I would let you know that one of my next projects will be to fit a lock on the other side (where you have your DRO head), and it should be better than the original.

John
Title: Re: Testing out the New Mill and DRO
Post by: DeereGuy on March 22, 2009, 07:03:22 PM
Knowing how well you design and document things I am looking forward to seeing your solution.  I can always change my set up.:)
Title: Re: Testing out the New Mill and DRO
Post by: Brass_Machine on March 23, 2009, 11:55:51 AM
Nicely done Bob. I need to make a few more holders for mine. You make it look simply and snappy.

Eric