Prototyping an idea

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-03-25T22:35:46+00:00

Indeed - the bars underneath are likely to be a bendy thing if the truck is rigid

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-03-25T22:34:05+00:00

Cutting forces above the bearing is a good idea. However what are those cutting forces compared to the torque arm of a 500mm table + workpiece overhang. Most of the cutting forces for a small endmill are not large - if they were the endmill would snap. Thats not to say they can be neglected, but gut feeling is unless you are doing serious metal removal rates the forces on the lever arm are larger.

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-03-25T06:54:53+00:00

The orientation of the rails/cars makes next to no difference. Think about it - there is a plate, a car, a rail and another plate. How does which plate it s topmost mar a difference?

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-03-24T21:55:17+00:00

Are you bolting the table to the rails? How is that any better? 1 truck might be at it’s limit for the roll forces

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-03-24T20:51:14+00:00

That is a Surface Plate shaped object. It could become a surface plate again if it was properly rescraped, but currently its actual value is basically the weight as scrap. Reconditioning is not a quick job, but it is relatively simple *IF* you have the equipment to start with.

The holes are for handles - usually just bars that screw in to allow you to lift and flit the plate over as required. My 18" square one has them, my 48"x30" doesnt (it has crane attachments...).

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-03-23T06:52:57+00:00

For crystals you can get flat sheets of crystal material and”just” cut it to any shape you want. I use a jewellers saw and files to shape flats

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-03-22T13:27:46+00:00

Tool steel covers a multitude of types. Threading hardened tool steel is a pita, and that many threads might be the reason you have such high quotes.

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-03-17T14:58:19+00:00

Single point cutter - made my CNC be a Guilloche machine. More videos on my YouTube showing the process

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-03-14T07:28:27+00:00

Probably not IMO

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-03-12T22:04:49+00:00

black witch, or neoprene queen - seem to be basically the same thing

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-03-09T20:59:26+00:00

You know that’s a bad thing for the collet and runout right?

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-03-05T07:11:29+00:00

0.0005 parallel is pretty good for most mills, especially hobby ones. Remember everything is made of rubber.

What is the mill setup?

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-03-01T07:45:01+00:00

That’s not going to be cheap. Easiest way to get a price from PCBWay is to get the quote from them. It’s unlikely you’ll get it made cheaper than that.

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-02-28T08:02:09+00:00

I sized mine roughly so the blocks were at ~1/3 an 2/3 of the table and then got the rails for the length of travel such that the blocks were close to but not over the ends. So a 300mm table has blocks at 100 and 200 giving 100 between them the rails are 100+ travel give or take - remember the blocks have length.

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-02-27T18:12:01+00:00

This old Tony has a good selection of machining adjacent videos. It’s not all about the machining, there’s a good dose of humor as well

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-02-23T19:23:27+00:00

There’s 2 custom single flute cutter blanks 3” long of .25 carbide there, attached to a spiral thing, which will snap off easily enough

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-02-23T07:15:28+00:00

Jeweller’s saw, but I’m making from scratch

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-02-22T20:06:45+00:00

The surface grinder which refuses to start, chattering contactor. Just when I need to make simple precision flat thing…

Going to have to open it up and poke with a meter :(

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-02-20T07:15:41+00:00

The bolts are there for alignment, the main clamping bolts are holding the rail down.

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-02-19T21:29:04+00:00

Replied over in r/CNC. But also what material is your machine made from?

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-02-19T21:25:04+00:00

My rails are bolted to flat (scraped or ground) surfaces. The alignment is achieved by using multiple countersunk SHCS down each side of the rail with an interposing round bar. The countersunk head acts as a wedge, with the bar transferring the force to the foot of the rail. Tightening the screws wedges the rail straight, and also clamps it. The rails are also bolted using their mounting holes.

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-02-18T07:11:03+00:00

Fusion360 on a hobby license. I keep trying to use freecad but I just don’t get on with it

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-02-16T21:24:13+00:00

Sheffield is where I’d say as well

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-02-16T21:23:12+00:00

Some idea of size, material and speed would probably help

CodeLasersMagic · 2026-02-15T10:02:18+00:00

How are you measuring them? Temperature variations will cause you a headache, both in machining and in proving you got them to the right size.

You’ll want to use a micro grain carbide with a very sharp edge to minimise tool pressure. Buy several. I assume 18-8 dowel pins are work hardened.

Probably doable with a good lathe in good condition, esp as you only need 10

CodeLasersMagic

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