Thread: Radii and a DRO on Mill

Radius Function with the ShumaTech DRO-550 - YouTube Does his help?

Also is the 1R , 1.5R etc. refer to tool radius?

Just to get me on the right track, do you want to cut a radius with a round over cutter?
That would give you say a 75mm radius on the x an y side and a 3mm between the side and top.

Dave

Thanks Driftabout, that vid has helped me out mate. Still need to work out this 5R, 1.5R 7R business though. I thought it was to do with the depth, from the side, of the radius. Now I don't think this is correct.

Can anyone explain in layman terms what say, 5R n a drawing means? I need to put a radius on the side of a work piece, only need to use the X and Y movements. It is in 2D if that helps.

Mike

I am really not sure about your drawings but the smaller the tool will make finishing easier but take longer to do.

Can you put up a picture of part of the plan.
I have used this feature a few times but just dont understand what the drawing is asking for.

Dave

Dont you need a DRO on the Z axis to this?

When I see 6R I take it that the job has a curve of radius 6mm. Presumably you are talking external features here, for internal features of course you would use a 12mm drill to give you an internal 6mm radius.

External radii are best done on a rotary table, but if that is not an option the XY radius cutting feature built into your DRO will get you close. The radius will need filing afterwards to smooth out the little steps. You will be able to nominate the size of the increments in the DRO, so set them as fine as your patience will allow.

I'd be tempted to practice on scrap before tackling the actual job.

Originally Posted by Stustoys

Dont you need a DRO on the Z axis to this?

You can step X Y but need Z to step Z Y etc.

Dave

If you're looking to machine the radius with the Z axis. I'd just use PCD(mainly coz I know how to do that hehe)

Pictures would help

Also for the smaller radii(radiuses) I'd think you'd be better off with a form cutter.(although that wont work in Z)

Stuart

Just to add to what Bob said,use the biggest end mill you have to help smooth out the steps.

I think it is George? Over on home machinist building the motors and gear boxes to scale, he shows the results of this DRO feature and the files amd sands to finish.

I have used this feature and it's slow going.

Dave

Originally Posted by Dave J

You can step X Y but need Z to step Z Y etc.

My slow typing strikes again. lol
As above if you are stepping in X and Y and machining with Z why not use PCD?