Thread: Taking the Plunge - My first Build... pun intended!!

Hey all,
Wow it seems quiet on the boards lately.

Anywho, quick update that my 1.5kW Spindle and VFD have been ordered from love-happyshopping. I was originally planning to use a trim router for a while and then later do the upgrade but I recently came into an extra couple of hundred dollars from the ATO so I thought 'why not do it now'. The left over (won't be much ) will also go towards the powdercoating of the frame.

I love unexpected cash !! yew !!

cheers and beers
row

I find the beers taste even better when they come via the ATO
Cheeers

ok. quick update - nothing too exciting.

1. have received my 1.5kw spindle and vfd - bench test all working good.
2. have also received my 120x80 aluminium profile for the y-axis. man this stuff is heavy .
3. just placed an order for spindle mounts - figured it was easier to just order them instead of trying to make them myself.will wait and see how they turn out.

next, just need to order some basic flat bar aluminium, do some more drilling and tapping and should hopefully have a machine that is operational - fingers crossed.....

cheers and beers
row.

Been a while since I've posted but my build is still progressing albeit very slowly.
It's really starting to take shape however, working away from home full-time really doesn't allow for any quality time to spend in the shed.

I'll post some more pics soon of where I'm at but I have hit a bit of a snag.

The supported rails I bought off ebay a while back were supplied about 30mm longer than I required. I didn't think much of it at the time but now that I'm ready to mount them to the aluminium extrusion, I've quickly discovered the hacksaw just won't do the job.

Does anyone have any ideas/tips for the best way to cut one of the supported rails being that they are hardened to the point that my general tools just "won't make the cut" (couldn't resist that one).

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Row.

Abrasive cut off wheel. That should go through it quite easily. Just try to keep it all coolish.

Bob Willson

I agree with Bob.
The rail is very easy and fast to cut with an angle grinder. Just make sure you use the 1mm thick cutting discs as they run much cooler than the usual 2.5mm discs. They are available at Bunnings to suit 100mm,115mm & 125mm grinders. Be sure to buy the Flexovit brand, not the cheaper Rocket brand from China
Cheers
David

Thanks guys.
I'll give the grinder a go and see how it turns out. Will pick up a few discs tomorrow from Bunnings.

Row.

Just wondering if anyone has used the milling bits from McJing at all? If so, what is the quality like?

McJING Tools Online

I'm getting close to having an operational machine and it's about time I seriously looked at what bits I'm going to use. They look like they are reasonably priced.
If they are no good, I'll look to one of the suppliers on ebay.

Row.

hi Row,
Those bits are high speed steel and will blue in a router or spindle. You need carbide to work a CNC machine - unless it is a mill.
In any case try this seller and you will find their prices much more competitive.
CTC Tools Home Page
Usually takes three weeks for them to get to me in Perth but they are cheap, good quality and sharp.
There are a lot of other sellers so search and satisfy yourself on quality and price.

Thanks Rod.
Wasn't entirely sure on the whole HSS vs Carbide deal. Good to know.
Did a quick check and you're right (not that I'm surprised). Hell of a lot cheaper to go the CTC Tools way.

Much appreciated.

Row.

Originally Posted by rodm

hi Row,
Those bits are high speed steel and will blue in a router or spindle. You need carbide to work a CNC machine - unless it is a mill.
In any case try this seller and you will find their prices much more competitive.
CTC Tools Home Page
Usually takes three weeks for them to get to me in Perth but they are cheap, good quality and sharp.
There are a lot of other sellers so search and satisfy yourself on quality and price.

Hi rodm, that's a very useful link, thanks.

I'm somewhat embarrassed to ask this question, but I don't seem to be familiar with the metric code they are using there, for example: metric #G65

Is this the shank size? what do the letters mean?

Cheers.

Sorry have't got a clue what the code is. I buy using the description.

Oh dear, my mistake - I missed the "detailed description" tab - I couldn't otherwise ascertain the shank size.

This is really a great find - Iparticularly like the look of the 3 Flute Square Endmills for Aluminium.

Cheers.

I think some of the codes refer to hardness ratings