CNC Mill Build Thread (Video and parts pics)

[Seabass]

Made good progress this weekend and I am getting ready to make a test cut of a shock tower. This will be the first part that will be cut with the machine. I am having problems with my PC though. I cannot get my software to unlock from the demo mode and I believe it has something to do with the operating system. The bad thing is I am running XP (as recommended) and there is not much support out there. I am scrambling to find all the service packs to update the OS. This is supposed to fix all my problems. I should have known putting a fresh load would give me problems.

Hopefully the next post will include a video.

Jake

[Seabass]

After about 18 hours, I got the software to finally come out of demo mode .

I now have the ability to run a program that has 10 million lines of code

I will have a video for you guys later tonight. Will be machining a new custom shock tower for my Traxxas TRX1.

Jake

[Charlie don't surf]

After about 18 hours, I got the software to finally come out of demo mode .

I now have the ability to run a program that has 10 million lines of code

I will have a video for you guys later tonight. Will be machining a new custom shock tower for my Traxxas TRX1.

Jake

Can't wait to see this!!

[GoMachV]

Woot! Can't wait to see what you start churning out!

[Seabass]

Alright guys, that was a lot of fun...

Actually I ran into a bit of a problem but I still was able to produce a part I can use

I wanted to run the shop vac to keep the dust from building up but controlling the machine, recording, and vacuuming was too much to do at once. I also did not want to run coolant cause I don't want the dust in my coolant just yet. I need to do some more research on machining CF.

The first video is the machine working itself around cutting the holes for the tower. I don't have a drill chuck for the machine yet so I had a 3/32 end mill go around and make all the holes. A drill would have been faster but this was all I had.

The second video was the profile of the tower. I only made 3/4 of a pass before I had to put the camera down to fix a major problem. You can see at the end of the video, the end mill was actually smoking. I didn't realize this but the end mill was not the one I wanted to use for the tower. I cut the video and finished the tower with the proper end mill and it came out great.

Things to do:

Setup a vacuum system
Finish mounting my coolant line
Finish the coolant splash guard

Overall, the build was not as intensive as I originally thought however I did have a few moments of confusion throughout the process. I still have a good bit to learn but as time goes on I will become more proficient with the machine.

Enjoy the videos.

[youtube]RMN3QuLiJY0[/youtube]

[youtube]lJlHbumFuD4[/youtube]

[Charlie don't surf]

Jake, give me a call when you have a chance, I have some CF machining experience. There are some big things to do correctly, and some you don't want to do at all (like introduce fluid) ...anyway drop me a line-

Did you have a tool path already cut into.the MDF?

[Seabass]

Reg because this was a test piece I did not bother with cutting the tool path in the MDF prior to the part. Before I machine the chassis I will plan accordingly and build a proper jig to hold the material. I will call you a bit later today.

Jake

[Seabass]

Hey guys was able to cut two chassis' today. I was only going to cut one but I screw up the material placement the first time. I was able to save the chassis, I just had to make it narrower than I wanted. The chassis' are for a Traxxas TRX1 that I drew up.

I am calling the mill thread done for now and will posting pics of parts cut in the various forums where the builds take place. Looks like the 91 Worlds car will start making progress again...

Jake

[GoMachV]

Sooooooo niiiiiice! I kinda dig that narrow one

[Diamond Dave]

Nice work Jake, feels good to accomplish something like that. Makes me want to try a few things like that.

I need a garage...

[Phin]

...I kinda dig that narrow one

+1


Cool stuff.

[JK Racing]

Wow...is great enough to have a mill. But to build and then have it work priceless.

[losiXXXman]

Great looking chassis Jake...Now, how about that ULTIMA!! ULTIMA!!!

[justinspeed79]

Built your own cnc mill and are now making custom parts!? Wow!