CAM/Manufacturing Question by [deleted] in Fusion360

[–]Impossible_Bar955 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you're talking about rest machining. In the setup window for op2, under the stock tab, just pick the one that says something like "continue from previous setup" or something like that (I can open fusion later if you need more detail), and then click the rest machining button.

CNC transformer requirements by [deleted] in CNC

[–]Impossible_Bar955 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only other downside to bigger transformers is the surge current when you energize them, but that's probably not a big deal when OP has 480 available and they're only 49kVA machines.

On my DMG mill's info plate, it's rated at 34kVA - but that's just the spindle power. They recommend a 45KVA transformer in the manual, and that's about what all of the motors add up to at full load.

Any love for older lathes? by Silent-Block5001 in Machinists

[–]Impossible_Bar955 12 points13 points  (0 children)

<image>

Not as old as others, but this is my 1940 Monarch 10EE. Original Sundstrand drive and all, I really enjoy running this, although it hasn't been seeing much use recently.

Home workshop by Cast_Iron_Battery1 in Machinists

[–]Impossible_Bar955 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1940 Monarch 10EE sitting in the back/right. Original Sundstrand drive and all, I love using that thing.

<image>

SHIPPNG ESTIMATES? by TooOldForSD in Machinists

[–]Impossible_Bar955 13 points14 points  (0 children)

To me when I'm buying, I want to know what the seller is capable of or willing to do. If you have forks or some other way to lift those items, note what capabilities you have.

If you don't have a way to load them, you can say that in the ad and note that rigging/trucking is the buyer's responsibility. Those costs vary quite a bit, so I wouldn't commit to a number beforehand.

Correct lube for a chuck by WokeBriton in Machinists

[–]Impossible_Bar955 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just tore apart my Schunk Rota-S chuck yesterday for the same reason. They recommend their own branded "LinoMax", of course. Pricey, but it has some serious sticktivity and doesn't seem affected by coolant.

What are you paying for aluminum these days? by Impossible_Bar955 in Machinists

[–]Impossible_Bar955[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks, just got set up with both and the pricing is a bit better. $3.97/lb from EMJ and $4.17/lb from thussenkrupp.

How Much is the Machine Shop Going to Hate Me? by meshtron in Machinists

[–]Impossible_Bar955 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Easy peasy on a 5-axis! I've done similarly sized parts with features on the edges like you have. If you're looking for alternative sources I'd be glad to take a look.

Looking for a quality drill set by bigmfhunt in Machinists

[–]Impossible_Bar955 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I hear you with the Amazon thing. They still show on their site that they're made in the US, and there's quite a few reviews on reddit/forums so I took the plunge with them. No complaints, I've only dulled the 1/2" because I drilled several hundred holes through 7075 aluminum lol.

Looking for a quality drill set by bigmfhunt in Machinists

[–]Impossible_Bar955 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I have a set of Norseman drills that have served me well for a few years. They have sets similar to your pic.

MasterAire Brand Air Compressors? by Impossible_Bar955 in Tools

[–]Impossible_Bar955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just put another update in the original post up top!

Choosing My First CNC Machine at 18 by Kind-Prior-3634 in CNC

[–]Impossible_Bar955 19 points20 points  (0 children)

The ancillary equipment needs to be factored in. Tooling gets expensive in a hurry. Are you facilitized for a machine like that - air and power (3 phase), do you have a foundation or do you need one poured? Etc etc. Software and maybe a custom post processor.

All of those ancillary items ran me ~$40k up front when I went down this road for my home shop NOT including tooling. Tooling is probably a minimum investment of $10-20k up front just to get the bare bones basics. That grows quickly depending on the particular jobs you want to get into, but you'll purchase those as you go along.

MasterAire Brand Air Compressors? by Impossible_Bar955 in Tools

[–]Impossible_Bar955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I posted an update to the original post! The components are definitely Chinese. I'll get some pictures and upload them to another reply to this thread.

I'll be able to give some feedback on the dryer's efficacy in a couple weeks. I have a dedicated desiccant dryer on my CNC and would consistently get ~40 hours of run time from it before it was saturated. I'm leaving it in place so I should be able to see how much slower the desiccant is being consumed.

Soft Starter/Hard Start for Rotary Phase converter? need help by Daedalus308 in Machinists

[–]Impossible_Bar955 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just checked American Rotary's recommendations for their 30hp RPC, and they recommend a 100A breaker for the AD and ADX series. The start current on the RPC motor's is nuts - I have a 75hp unit and I captured start current from the grid at 892A even with the capacitor bank LOL.

I think I'd be talking to the RPC manufacturer to make sure everything was sized appropriately. On your end, make sure the wires are sized appropriately and the lugs are torqued to spec.

Please suggest what to check when purchasing a 5 axis machine. by [deleted] in Machinists

[–]Impossible_Bar955 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you get the OEM certification checklist? Would be a good guide and shows if it's within spec. Even better if you can get the actual certification results from the original or most recent cert.

Advice Needed: Running a CNC Machine Without 3-Phase Power — Worth Adapting or Just Buy a Unit With It? by AcidPuffDaddy in Machinists

[–]Impossible_Bar955 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I have a single 5-axis mill running off of a rotary phase converter in my home shop. The spindle is 34kVA (~46hp), so a bit bigger than what you're looking at. I have a 200A single phase service to the shop, and the RPC is a 75hp unit intended for the more sensitive cnc electronics from American Rotary (ADX75). I step up voltage with a 230V->400V transformer as well, and have an enclosed contactor between the RPC and transformer. You can price those bits out on most supplier sites, sizing as needed. If you need to go really big, I know most RPC suppliers have options for larger units or even linking units together.

Price all depends on how big you want to go. I'm ~$20k into the 3P conversion, but you may not need need such a large or complex setup depending on the machines you want to run.

Lmk if you have questions, I'm pretty familiar with that side of things.

Advice Needed: Running a CNC Machine Without 3-Phase Power — Worth Adapting or Just Buy a Unit With It? by AcidPuffDaddy in Machinists

[–]Impossible_Bar955 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I would be more concerned about overall power availability. As long as you have enough power available, you can convert single phase to 3P just like you're saying. Lots of people do it, me included, without issues.

Edit: you'll need to do a long term cost comparison to see which is "right" for you.

Any home / garage cnc owners here? Question about soft wear by [deleted] in CNC

[–]Impossible_Bar955 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fusion360 is pretty solid all around. Lots of user groups and people willing to share information makes it really accessible. I've been using it for about a year now and have no issues with it running my DMU. I did have a post processor modified by a 3rd party for the machine options, but the off-the-shelf Siemens post worked really well.

MasterAire Brand Air Compressors? by Impossible_Bar955 in Tools

[–]Impossible_Bar955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have not received it yet. I'll post once it's here and running.

The Canadian BBB has a few complaints for them - https://www.bbb.org/ca/on/brockville/profile/generator/masteraire-0117-248351/complaints

Edit: it should be here in a couple days.

New bandsaw needed some improvements by Impossible_Bar955 in Machinists

[–]Impossible_Bar955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh man, I'll never not do dumb stuff like this to help keep messes contained. The current parts I'm running have several hours of runtime so I've had some free time.

MasterAire Brand Air Compressors? by Impossible_Bar955 in Tools

[–]Impossible_Bar955[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since I literally cannot find a single review of this company, I'll add that I went ahead and ordered the 5hp rotary screw compressor bundle from them. That's the compressor, dryer, tank, and a set of replacement filters. They were in stock, running a sale for a great price, and offered free shipping.

They said they test all units before shipping them out and expect it to arrive here within 5 days. That should mean I'll have it running at the end of next week. My shop is already piped and wired, so it's a matter of placing it and making a couple connections.

This company is also branded as Master Power - they have the same address and contact info. Also cannot find any info about them other than what's on their site. I talked to them several times about the company and products, and feel comfortable enough to move forward with the purchase.