Cnc Router

Cnc Router

Cnc Router

Cnc Router

The CNC router machine cuts in three directions at once. The precision of the router’s cutting relies on the design software, software that provides a two-fold advantage to the router operator.

To begin with, the CAD software gives the operator of the CNC router machine the ability to create the design that will be cut into the solid plate.

After the operator creates the design, that same operator relies on the computer to send the proper operating instructions. The instructions from the software send signals to the router motor drive. These signals, termed tool path files, allow the motor controls to direct the precise motion of the router drive system. Read the rest of this entry »

Vertical Machine

Vertical Machine

Vertical Machine

Milling Machine

Milling machines are used mainly for shaping and cutting solid materials such as metal, wood, plastics or even brass. These machines differs from a lathe in that the tool head itself rotates at high speed whereas with a lathe the part itself that is being worked on rotates. This sort of machinery varies greatly in terms of cost and in the specifications of the machine. Hobby machines will obviously be a lot more cost effective than their industrial counterparts.

So we will be a taking a look at some of the milling machine features and some of the important things to consider when looking to buy a machine for home or industrial use.

Types of Milling Machine

Found more often than any is the column type of machine. It has a few basic parts and is pretty simple. Materials can be drilled by means of the vertically suspended cutting device.

The turret mill is a more versatile option than the column machine. It is capable of producing many types of products as the spindle can be aligned in many different positions.

The C-frame is more usual to be found in an industrial workplace. It is tremendously powerful to cope with larger milling jobs.

Horizontal and Vertical Mills

These two types of machine are fairly similar, the main difference is the vertical machine’s spindle has a vertical orientation as the name suggests. It’s good for plunge drilling and cutting.

A horizontal mill has the cutter or cutters located on an arbor. This type of machine is good for heavy cutting like slots and groves for instance.

Digitally Controlled

The CNC (computer numerical control) machine or sometimes referred to as machining center is a highly accurate form of milling. The machine is set up usually via computer aided design technology. This sort of control allows the part to be engineered to a high level of complexity such as engraved elements and relief. The precision achieved is unsurpassed and with little operator input needed following the set up phase and the production of the test piece it’s also cost effective.

Important Considerations For Purchase

It will depend an enormous amount on what the machine is required to do of course. So it’s important to look at the complexity of the work to be done and consider the number of axis variants required. The power of the machine will also be important as will the speed that it operates at. As some milling machines will come with various attachments others will require these at additional cost. The overall cost may be important and some really good used milling machines can be found online if needed.

So I have taken a look at some of the milling machine types and their uses along with what sort of things to look out for when considering the right one to get.

By Lynne Ivatt 

Article Source: ezinearticles.com

Cnc Vertical Milling Machines

Cnc Vertical Milling Machines

Cnc Vertical Milling Machines

Milling machines are a type of machine tools that were used in machine solid materials. This type of machine has an existing two fundamental forms; the horizontal and the vertical form, the terms was derived from the direction of cutting-tool-spindle.

Different from drill press, where in the work piece is held fixed and the drill is the one to move vertically to make a way to the material, milling too involves movements of the work piece adjacent to the rotating cutter, but it is capable of cutting to cut up the sides along with the tips. The movements of the work pieces and cutters are accurately controlled, usually via the precision ground slides along with the lead-screw or with analogous technology. Milling machines can be operated manually, by mechanical automation or by digital automation via the Computer Numerical Control or CNC. Read the rest of this entry »

Vertical Milling Machines

Vertical Milling Machines

Vertical Milling Machines

Milling machines basically come in two distinct styles: vertical and horizontal. Both have certain advantages. This article will focus primarily on the best features found in a horizontal milling machine.

Horizontal machining is very cost effective and produces high quality products. This type of milling machine is designed to do it all with a large variety of hard materials. The process is quick and requires minimal setups along the way. This decreases the growing labor costs that often accompany any manufacturing environment. The finishes are superior and the final product comes out just as planned. Many horizontal mills are completely automated and need no human intervention to operate properly. All the programming is done ahead of time so that nothing is left to chance. This reduces processing time by about 25% because manual labor is no longer necessary. Read the rest of this entry »

Grinder Tools

Grinder Tools

Grinder Tools

While grinders seldom come to mind when thinking of woodturning tools, dull tools are dangerous, unwieldy and discouraging. A good grinder makes all the difference in turning out quality work with great enjoyment and satisfaction. Setting one up to sit beside the wood lathe need not be difficult nor expensive.

There is some controversy over using high or low speed grinders for sharpening tools. Slow speed grinders offer less chance of ruining the temper through overheating but are slower in achieving the finished edge. High speed grinders are simply faster and with today’s high speed steel tools do a great job in creating an edge without fear of overheating. Basically, they just need some simple setup and maintenance for high performance. Read the rest of this entry »

Micrometer

Micrometer

Micrometer

For years engineers have depended on a tool known as the micrometer. The micrometer has been used in the fields of mechanical engineering and machining to determine tiny distances since the seventeenth century. The are various kinds of micrometer each intended for a specific purpose, these include the outside micrometer, the inside or internal micrometer plus the depth micrometer. The micrometer, also called the micrometer screw gauge, consists of calibrated screw but the exact type of this screw varies according to whether the device is an outside or internal micrometer or perhaps a depth micrometer. Read the rest of this entry »

Bandsaw

Bandsaw

Bandsaw

The band saw is one of the popular handyman power tools that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is ideal for woodwork projects and especially those plans that require curved cuts. You can make all kinds of wooden equipment with this power tool because band saws can do very immaculate curve cutting. Other uses of the band saw might include cutting of tenons and rabbets that are smaller in size. It can also be used to rip stock pieces. Another use of the band saw is in sawing away large pieces of wood into thinner strips. But of course, buying the right band saw is the first step towards creating a really amazing project. Here are some tips for buying used bandsaw: Read the rest of this entry »

Lab Mills

Lab Mills

Lab Mills

The Mini CNC mill is actually a smaller CNC mill that has been adapted for the use of hobbyists. It can create a variety of small projects in the comfort of a home workshop. Some people have been able to take a basic small mill machine and turn it into a CNC machine by adding the computer control panel; this is called a CNC conversion.

This machine is also called a table top CNC mill. The mini-mill also allows an individual who doesn’t have a lot of space to work within a chance to do so because they don’t take up as much space as the larger CNC mill.

CNC has been used in commercial shops over the last ten years or so because of their convenience and ability to allow the operator to get more work done. For hobbyists, the prices have come down and there are more opportunities for the hobbyist to use these machines; many already understand CNC from their jobs so it is easy to convert a smaller machine. Read the rest of this entry »

Cnc Milling

Cnc Milling

Cnc Milling

The Mini CNC mill is actually a smaller CNC mill that has been adapted for the use of hobbyists. It can create a variety of small projects in the comfort of a home workshop. Some people have been able to take a basic small mill machine and turn it into a CNC machine by adding the computer control panel; this is called a CNC conversion.

This machine is also called a table top CNC mill. The mini-mill also allows an individual who doesn’t have a lot of space to work within a chance to do so because they don’t take up as much space as the larger CNC mill.

CNC has been used in commercial shops over the last ten years or so because of their convenience and ability to allow the operator to get more work done. For hobbyists, the prices have come down and there are more opportunities for the hobbyist to use these machines; many already understand CNC from their jobs so it is easy to convert a smaller machine. Read the rest of this entry »

Turret Lathes

Turret Lathes

Turret Lathes

A metal lathe is common description for rigid machine device especially designed to remove material from work piece, during action of the cutting tool. They were primarily made to machine metals; any how, with the advent of plastics and other materials, and with their inherent versatility, they have been used in a huge range of applications, and a wide range of materials. Read the rest of this entry »