Red Headed Step Child

[Gary Campbell]

Guys...
Looks a little lost sitting next to those yellow frames :)

This frame is for an upcoming project. The plans are for it to be a "stand alone" rotary machine. Ballscrew driven, dual Y (for lathe centerline calibration), single on X and Z. Will have geared lathe headstock, tailstock on linear rails, allow cutting in a number of different modes. Hi resolution indexing using centerline 3D and profile, off center machining, spindle bit or CNC positioned lathe tool turning while work is being spun by variable speed (hi and lo range) lathe motor. Also 4 sided machining. Will run on our standard HIWIN linear rails

Max diameter 6+ inches, Max length 38". Will have 16" by 33" table (with vac option) for flat or inlay cutting. Should have it ready to show off at Jim McGrew's get together in May.

[David Warkentin]

That Will Be Neat. You will be making these for sale over there at The Yellow Cnc Store?

[Gene Rhodes 2009]

This is good. I have been wondering when someone would make one of these?
I hope it will make corbels

[Gary Campbell]

David...
No one can know how this type of project will be received by the buying public. If it there is a demand, I am sure CAMaster will find a way to supply them.

Gene...
That one of the things that is on the list to test, once it gets up and running. The majority of indexers in today's market don't have enough torque to enable the forces required for off center machining.

If I'm lucky I will get to incorporate about 90% of the wish list items that have been given to me by others.

[rcrawford]

Love it! I like the idea of a combination lathe/indexer. If it works well, you'll need to make one with 10 spindles - a production carving/lathe machine! Just need to find a reasonably priced CAD/CAM package that will do that kind of work. (something that can tool path a continuous spiral cut down the length of a complex 3D shape on the indexer, and can also tool path for lathe tools)

I have been mentally designing a machine for making my stool legs, 10 at a time. Pump out 10 legs every 20 minutes. Of course, I'd have to find a bigger market for selling them first (and a bigger shop)!!

[sgodding]

I'm looking forward to seeing it, but you already knew that!

[Gary Campbell]

Bobby...
I don't understand your question.

[mikeacg]

I'm listening! I think I could find a spot in my shop for it and test it for you guys (long-term). Can we kick the Z up to 9 or 12"? (They always want more, don't they?)...

Mike

[Gary Campbell]

Mike...
Sure thing. Nothing should hold you back.... other than your imagination and checkbook, that is.

[neal_meyers_jr]

Always come back to the checkbook

[jalcathie]

any idea on what a unit like this would cost?

[Gary Campbell]

Joe...
I have no idea, as I haven't decided what to order for it, I cant even guess at the price. I will however, put any option that I can so that I will have a good idea on price, just in case it goes into manufacturing.

FYI...
Even tho I have not built a $ budget, there is a time budget. I will have this for demo at Jim McGrew's Aspire get together in May.

[Dan]

Hey!!

Something else that needs a tailstock...!!

Heh...

Dan

[Gary Campbell]

Dan...
Custom headstock too.... we do need to talk!!! :)

[darren salyer]

I will have this for demo at Jim McGrew's Aspire get together in May.

Woo Hoo.....looking forward to that!!