|
My husband purchased a CNC router for me for my birthday some years ago, so I've played with a CNC router for a while and can get it to do what I want it to do - so this was the sum of my experience.? Once we agreed for me to spend the money on Aspire, the machine, software and me were finally able to communicate and work together, there are 3 axis on a CNC router... so next I thought I need a CNC lathe.? ?I create 1/12th scale miniatures, and have an interest in carving Architectural components for our home, and making things as gifts,? generally from wood.? I have a Jet Mini wood lathe, and a couple of unimat DB/SLs, a Taig lathe and Taig Mill.? ?
I bought a circa 1990s Spectralight CNC Sherline Lathe from eBay and was incredibly confused by the mess of wires.?
I think these units were sold to schools - perhaps an introduction to digital machining???
Our son and I discussed chasing down the board, but the technology was old, no guarantees that the board would work, so I purchased a kit to convert the Sherline to a Gecko 540 from deepgrove1 website.? I got the steppers installed, but could not figure out how to bypass the safety switch on the cover and get the stop button to work.? I called some local pros and explained my issue (they work on room size equipment) and asked for some help... I dropped it off on July 3, and got it back last week.??
Now, I am ready to do a test run for the CNC lathe, but I need to put a tool bit in my database, and I use router bits that are round.? How do I use a round router bit in a tool post that is designed for square metal bits?? I can imagine my conversation with Whiteside is not going to be an inexpensive conversation.??
Thanks - Tamra
|
Tamra, welcome to the group.
some pictures of the "router bit in a tool post that is designed for square metal bits"!
Ralph
My husband purchased a CNC router for me for my birthday some years ago, so I've played with a CNC router for a while and can get it to do what I want it to do - so this was the sum of my experience.? Once we agreed for me to spend the money on Aspire, the machine, software and me were finally able to communicate and work together, there are 3 axis on a CNC router... so next I thought I need a CNC lathe.? ?I create 1/12th scale miniatures, and have an interest in carving Architectural components for our home, and making things as gifts,? generally from wood.? I have a Jet Mini wood lathe, and a couple of unimat DB/SLs, a Taig lathe and Taig Mill.? ?
I bought a circa 1990s Spectralight CNC Sherline Lathe from eBay and was incredibly confused by the mess of wires.?
I think these units were sold to schools - perhaps an introduction to digital machining???
Our son and I discussed chasing down the board, but the technology was old, no guarantees that the board would work, so I purchased a kit to convert the Sherline to a Gecko 540 from deepgrove1 website.? I got the steppers installed, but could not figure out how to bypass the safety switch on the cover and get the stop button to work.? I called some local pros and explained my issue (they work on room size equipment) and asked for some help... I dropped it off on July 3, and got it back last week.??
Now, I am ready to do a test run for the CNC lathe, but I need to put a tool bit in my database, and I use router bits that are round.? How do I use a round router bit in a tool post that is designed for square metal bits?? I can imagine my conversation with Whiteside is not going to be an inexpensive conversation.??
Thanks - Tamra
--
Clausing 8520, Craftsman 12x36 Lathe, 4x12 mini lathe, 14" Delta drill press, 40 watt laser, Consew brushless DC motors and a non working 3D printer
|
This video is from the Dallas Makerspace... tool post for a sherline lathe uses a square bit.? I could probably use an insert tool bit, but since I have the most experience in the CNC router world, and I want to make tiny staircase spindles, I had naturally thought I was going to use a whiteside SC64, but I can't put a round router bit in a square based tool post.??
Actually, I don't think I have a tool post for this machine, so will have to order one from Sherline today.?
I paid for a class scheduled at Marc Adams at the end of April 2020 so I could see Randy Johnson's solution, assuming he was going to use a CNC lathe add-on to a router application but the class is postponed or delayed and another COVID 19 Casualty, so it is going to be a trial & error for now.
Thanks - Tamra
|
Do you have a boring bar toolholder for your lathe? That and possibly some sleeve collets should let you mount a router bit in your lathe. I put an AXA clone Quick-Change tool Post (QCTP) on my Atlas TH42 lathe. It would be FAR too larger for your Sherline, but there are similar toolposts that will fit the Sherline. Sherline sells a QCTP, but it's a bit pricey. https://www.sherline.com/product/2250-quick-change-tool-post-and-three-holders/ The boring bar tool holder is the one on the left in the photo. LIttle machine shop has an OXA toolpost that will fit your lathe, as well. https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=4039&category=-419988835 and it's considerably cheaper than the Sherline. With your lathes and mill, you should be able to make your own, if you want to, as well. http://www.toolsandmods.com/lathe/mini-lathe-qctp
HTH!
Bill in OKC
William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion,
butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance
accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders,
give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new
problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight
efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
LAZARUS LONG (Robert A. Heinlein)
On Thursday, April 9, 2020, 08:52:27 AM CDT, Tamra <tamrabrogdon@...> wrote:
My husband purchased a CNC router for me for my birthday some years ago, so I've played with a CNC router for a while and can get it to do what I want it to do - so this was the sum of my experience.? Once we agreed for me to spend the money on Aspire, the machine, software and me were finally able to communicate and work together, there are 3 axis on a CNC router... so next I thought I need a CNC lathe.? ?I create 1/12th scale miniatures, and have an interest in carving Architectural components for our home, and making things as gifts,? generally from wood.? I have a Jet Mini wood lathe, and a couple of unimat DB/SLs, a Taig lathe and Taig Mill.? ?
I bought a circa 1990s Spectralight CNC Sherline Lathe from eBay and was incredibly confused by the mess of wires.?
I think these units were sold to schools - perhaps an introduction to digital machining???
Our son and I discussed chasing down the board, but the technology was old, no guarantees that the board would work, so I purchased a kit to convert the Sherline to a Gecko 540 from deepgrove1 website.? I got the steppers installed, but could not figure out how to bypass the safety switch on the cover and get the stop button to work.? I called some local pros and explained my issue (they work on room size equipment) and asked for some help... I dropped it off on July 3, and got it back last week.??
Now, I am ready to do a test run for the CNC lathe, but I need to put a tool bit in my database, and I use router bits that are round.? How do I use a round router bit in a tool post that is designed for square metal bits?? I can imagine my conversation with Whiteside is not going to be an inexpensive conversation.??
Thanks - Tamra
|
??? ??? if you have any small square stock that will fit in the
tool holder? you can? bore a hole in the stock the size of yer bit
, then cut a slit length wise , put the bit in the square stock,
put stock in tool post with the slit visible
??? ??? & then when ya tighten the tool post it will compress
the stock & clamp the tool in the holder
??? ??? animal
On 4/9/2020 7:42 AM, Tamra wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
This video is from the Dallas Makerspace... tool post for a
sherline lathe uses a square bit.? I could probably use an insert
tool bit, but since I have the most experience in the CNC router
world, and I want to make tiny staircase spindles, I had naturally
thought I was going to use a whiteside SC64, but I can't put a
round router bit in a square based tool post.??
Actually, I don't think I have a tool post for this machine, so
will have to order one from Sherline today.?
I paid for a class scheduled at Marc Adams at the end of April
2020 so I could see Randy Johnson's solution, assuming he was
going to use a CNC lathe add-on to a router application but the
class is postponed or delayed and another COVID 19 Casualty, so it
is going to be a trial & error for now.
Thanks - Tamra
|
Put round bit in square stock, Mike this makes sense.... hmmmm... the Whiteside bit is 1/4" round, should be easy enough to drill a 1/4" round hole in square stock...?
Bill, I do not have a boring bar toolholder for any of my lathes... I will look at these options, and I've never purchased a QCTP, either, so perhaps the Sherline lathe will be the one that gets a QCTP.? I really like Sherline, though and appreciate the commitment to the scale model world, the made me an internal square WW collet when I requested it by visiting the factory in person in 2018!??
Tamra
|
??? ??? if ya have a 4 jaw chuck for the lathe ya could bore the
hole/drill the hole in the square stock . I don't know what size
the slot in in yer tool holder but ya may be able to use key stock
??? ??? animal
On 4/9/2020 3:34 PM, Tamra wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Put round bit in square stock, Mike this makes sense.... hmmmm...
the Whiteside bit is 1/4" round, should be easy enough to drill a
1/4" round hole in square stock...?
Bill, I do not have a boring bar toolholder for any of my
lathes... I will look at these options, and I've never purchased a
QCTP, either, so perhaps the Sherline lathe will be the one that
gets a QCTP.? I really like Sherline, though and appreciate the
commitment to the scale model world, the made me an internal
square WW collet when I requested it by visiting the factory in
person in 2018!??
Tamra
|
Hi Tamra
Take a look at this link.
If you purchased a QCTP Quick change toolpost with holders from say LMS, at least one of the tool holders has a Vee base for holding?
these types of round shank tools.
There is a myriad of different round nose tools (diameters) to choose from.
2 flute round nose router bits can be used, but you would need a bar with a hole in it, not a big deal, but a designated QCTP
is IMHO the way to go, QCTP also allows you to change the c/line of the carbide tips to the center line of the lathe spindle.
Important.
--
John
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I am relieved that I found the sherline standard toolpost that came with the machine, and they have one that will allow use of a 3/8" round bit, but not 1/4" and my router bits are 1/4".
At $21 this seems pretty inexpensive.? I do understand changing bits as I do this frequently on our CNC Router, but I'm just trying to do some cuts for now, as I don't know if I will be able to really do, what I want to do with this router.? ? I know I do not have any 3/8" router bits though for small scale work, and Whiteside and other mfgs make it so easy to update your tool profiles, so will have to find a way to update this with inserts, etc for standard tool bits from the metal world.
Sherline is closed for shipping until May 4th, but if you need anything accessories are 20% off right now, and they have so many options and the best website in my opinion for documentation.
Thanks for the kind assistance and welcome.? ?I will look at the other QCTP options too.
Tamra
|
I could make a boring tool holder for 1/4" router bit and use their tool post?? I will have to mill or file a flat side on the round stock.? I really like my Whiteside SC64 bit... it works so beautifully on my CNC router.
For now, I think this is something I can do so I can see what my CNC lathe can make.
Thanks - Tamra?
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Confused of Cheltenham writes --
I am obviously missing something in translation!
Why do you want to use a (apparently not cheap) ball nosed tapered
carbide cutter on a lathe? Surely it would be more sensible to get a bit
of HSS for your first tries with the lathe.
Keep safe
Richard
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 10/04/2020 17:30, Tamra wrote: I could make a boring tool holder for 1/4" router bit and use their
tool post?? I will have to mill or file a flat side on the round
stock.? I really like my Whiteside SC64 bit... it works so beautifully
on my CNC router.
For now, I think this is something I can do so I can see what my CNC
lathe can make.
Thanks - Tamra
|
??? ??? if ya have any round stock ya can do the same as I
mentioned with the square stock
??? ??? animal
On 4/10/2020 9:26 AM, Tamra wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I am relieved that I found the sherline standard toolpost that
came with the machine, and they have one that will allow use of a
3/8" round bit, but not 1/4" and my router bits are 1/4".
At $21 this seems pretty inexpensive.? I do understand changing
bits as I do this frequently on our CNC Router, but I'm just
trying to do some cuts for now, as I don't know if I will be able
to really do, what I want to do with this router.? ? I know I do
not have any 3/8" router bits though for small scale work, and
Whiteside and other mfgs make it so easy to update your tool
profiles, so will have to find a way to update this with inserts,
etc for standard tool bits from the metal world.
Sherline is closed for shipping until May 4th, but if you need
anything accessories are 20% off right now, and they have so many
options and the best website in my opinion for documentation.
Thanks for the kind assistance and welcome.? ?I will look at the
other QCTP options too.
Tamra
|
??? ??? Tamra , if you have access to aluminum
scraps/cutoff's/rem's you can get a lot of tool holders from a
$21.00 scrap of aluminum & make the tool hole/slot to any size
ya want
??? ??? animal
On 4/10/2020 9:26 AM, Tamra wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I am relieved that I found the sherline standard toolpost that
came with the machine, and they have one that will allow use of a
3/8" round bit, but not 1/4" and my router bits are 1/4".
At $21 this seems pretty inexpensive.? I do understand changing
bits as I do this frequently on our CNC Router, but I'm just
trying to do some cuts for now, as I don't know if I will be able
to really do, what I want to do with this router.? ? I know I do
not have any 3/8" router bits though for small scale work, and
Whiteside and other mfgs make it so easy to update your tool
profiles, so will have to find a way to update this with inserts,
etc for standard tool bits from the metal world.
Sherline is closed for shipping until May 4th, but if you need
anything accessories are 20% off right now, and they have so many
options and the best website in my opinion for documentation.
Thanks for the kind assistance and welcome.? ?I will look at the
other QCTP options too.
Tamra
|
Richard, I'm planning to apply some carving to my spindles, so ball nose tool bit is just what I want to use... and the other reason is that when I don't know what will happen with general metal tool bits when I put them in my Vectric tool database.? I will search online so I can get the measurements for the normal 1/4" toolbits online.? I use the whiteside SC64 all the time on my CNC router and its my favorite for 1/12th scale.? ?I did a carving on a table top last week and it is so efficient; so the cost of the tool makes up for the amount of time and precision I gain by using a CNC.? I do really love hand carved miniatures, but I'd like to get some of this stuff done, while I'm still working and can afford my hobby.??
Mike, Unfortunately, I don't have scraps of metal of the size of a tool post.? I do have a lifetime supply of wood for miniatures though, as soon as I re-saw it on the band saw and put it through the planer.? The beauty of a cnc is that it is,? as precise as I tell it.? I have practiced turning to get matching spindles for a couple of years, and I am frequently off and have a bag of turnings as evidence.? While I can measure accurately - I do have dial calipers; I get close in lengths and diameters when I turn manually.? I imagine for the CNC lathe to work, the bit must be in the center of the turning or just slightly above the center, right?? Making a collar for a 1/4" router bit to work... with the sherline tool post will likely be more precise then me, and while I could make, it I really don't want to make 5 of them to get one to be correct.? I like Sherline's rocker tool post too.??
The accuracy of the results of the work is affected by the measurements entered for the toolbit.? And I recently carved a recess in a table of 1/32" of a 1/16" thick board and more precise then I could ever be.? I used to do this with a dremel router mounted like a drill press, it works too.
I would like to make my own brass CNCd plate for a branding iron, and a letterhead or book embossing plates...so I do have some brass for these projects, but nothing as thick as a tool post, and so many suppliers are closed right now!? I did finally find an aluminum supplier about 15 miles from home, but most industry and suppliers are closed because or Recreational Vehicle mfgs closed to help with decreasing the spread of the flu.
?I want to get this project done, so will try with the stuff I have... I've got some filing to do as I can't get the tool post on cross slide right now, the previous owners must have had an accident to affect the cross slide, but I think I'm skilled enough with a file to be able to fix this issue.
I do really like the cabinet on this and hope to have a summer project with both grandsons this summer.? GS#2 has a box in the making, and GS #1 may work on the lathe kit project that sherline has on their website, they are cousins and I'm going to try at least to get them off their electronic game boxes for a few hours each week during the summer!
Tamra
|
Tamra, would love to see some pictures of your projects.
Ralph
Richard, I'm planning to apply some carving to my spindles, so ball nose tool bit is just what I want to use... and the other reason is that when I don't know what will happen with general metal tool bits when I put them in my Vectric tool database.? I will search online so I can get the measurements for the normal 1/4" toolbits online.? I use the whiteside SC64 all the time on my CNC router and its my favorite for 1/12th scale.? ?I did a carving on a table top last week and it is so efficient; so the cost of the tool makes up for the amount of time and precision I gain by using a CNC.? I do really love hand carved miniatures, but I'd like to get some of this stuff done, while I'm still working and can afford my hobby.??
Mike, Unfortunately, I don't have scraps of metal of the size of a tool post.? I do have a lifetime supply of wood for miniatures though, as soon as I re-saw it on the band saw and put it through the planer.? The beauty of a cnc is that it is,? as precise as I tell it.? I have practiced turning to get matching spindles for a couple of years, and I am frequently off and have a bag of turnings as evidence.? While I can measure accurately - I do have dial calipers; I get close in lengths and diameters when I turn manually.? I imagine for the CNC lathe to work, the bit must be in the center of the turning or just slightly above the center, right?? Making a collar for a 1/4" router bit to work... with the sherline tool post will likely be more precise then me, and while I could make, it I really don't want to make 5 of them to get one to be correct.? I like Sherline's rocker tool post too.??
The accuracy of the results of the work is affected by the measurements entered for the toolbit.? And I recently carved a recess in a table of 1/32" of a 1/16" thick board and more precise then I could ever be.? I used to do this with a dremel router mounted like a drill press, it works too.
I would like to make my own brass CNCd plate for a branding iron, and a letterhead or book embossing plates...so I do have some brass for these projects, but nothing as thick as a tool post, and so many suppliers are closed right now!? I did finally find an aluminum supplier about 15 miles from home, but most industry and suppliers are closed because or Recreational Vehicle mfgs closed to help with decreasing the spread of the flu.
?I want to get this project done, so will try with the stuff I have... I've got some filing to do as I can't get the tool post on cross slide right now, the previous owners must have had an accident to affect the cross slide, but I think I'm skilled enough with a file to be able to fix this issue.
I do really like the cabinet on this and hope to have a summer project with both grandsons this summer.? GS#2 has a box in the making, and GS #1 may work on the lathe kit project that sherline has on their website, they are cousins and I'm going to try at least to get them off their electronic game boxes for a few hours each week during the summer!
Tamra
--
Clausing 8520, Craftsman 12x36 Lathe, 4x12 mini lathe, 14" Delta drill press, 40 watt laser, Consew brushless DC motors and a non working 3D printer
|
??? ??? get them interested when their young !! sounds like ya
have things pretty much under control there . how bout some pic's
of some of yer projects some day ?
??? ??? animal
On 4/10/2020 9:26 PM, Tamra wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Richard, I'm planning to apply some carving to my spindles, so
ball nose tool bit is just what I want to use... and the other
reason is that when I don't know what will happen with general
metal tool bits when I put them in my Vectric tool database.? I
will search online so I can get the measurements for the normal
1/4" toolbits online.? I use the whiteside SC64 all the time on my
CNC router and its my favorite for 1/12th scale.? ?I did a carving
on a table top last week and it is so efficient; so the cost of
the tool makes up for the amount of time and precision I gain by
using a CNC.? I do really love hand carved miniatures, but I'd
like to get some of this stuff done, while I'm still working and
can afford my hobby.??
Mike, Unfortunately, I don't have scraps of metal of the size of a
tool post.? I do have a lifetime supply of wood for miniatures
though, as soon as I re-saw it on the band saw and put it through
the planer.? The beauty of a cnc is that it is,? as precise as I
tell it.? I have practiced turning to get matching spindles for a
couple of years, and I am frequently off and have a bag of
turnings as evidence.? While I can measure accurately - I do have
dial calipers; I get close in lengths and diameters when I turn
manually.? I imagine for the CNC lathe to work, the bit must be in
the center of the turning or just slightly above the center,
right?? Making a collar for a 1/4" router bit to work... with the
sherline tool post will likely be more precise then me, and while
I could make, it I really don't want to make 5 of them to get one
to be correct.? I like Sherline's rocker tool post too.??
The accuracy of the results of the work is affected by the
measurements entered for the toolbit.? And I recently carved a
recess in a table of 1/32" of a 1/16" thick board and more precise
then I could ever be.? I used to do this with a dremel router
mounted like a drill press, it works too.
I would like to make my own brass CNCd plate for a branding iron,
and a letterhead or book embossing plates...so I do have some
brass for these projects, but nothing as thick as a tool post, and
so many suppliers are closed right now!? I did finally find an
aluminum supplier about 15 miles from home, but most industry and
suppliers are closed because or Recreational Vehicle mfgs closed
to help with decreasing the spread of the flu.
?I want to get this project done, so will try with the stuff I
have... I've got some filing to do as I can't get the tool post on
cross slide right now, the previous owners must have had an
accident to affect the cross slide, but I think I'm skilled enough
with a file to be able to fix this issue.
I do really like the cabinet on this and hope to have a summer
project with both grandsons this summer.? GS#2 has a box in the
making, and GS #1 may work on the lathe kit project that sherline
has on their website, they are cousins and I'm going to try at
least to get them off their electronic game boxes for a few hours
each week during the summer!
Tamra
|
Agree, cutters ( multi flute) are designed to to turn whilst the part is stationary.
Very difficult to set up a for example 3 flute cutter so one edge is parallel to the spindle.
Just draw it out on paper and you will see what I mean.
--
John
|
John, its all theory right now, as a router bit cuts because it is spinning at xxx rpm...so I won't know until I try it to see if this will work.? But I know that I can get fine cuts when the spindle is turning and I hold a tool in my hands.... so will see if I can do this; if not I do have standard tool bits, similar to those on Sherline's website.? At least they look the same to me, but I purchased them on line.??
Animal, when I get those spindles done I will post a photo of the staircase... but I'm just on the edge ready to get to the next part.? Hopefully spindles in 2020!? If I'm unsuccessful using the CNC because of an inability to programming or tooling, then I will duplicate them the old fashioned way, or I may still duplicate them the old fashioned way just because I like the finish better.
I have not done much of anything except bake & prepare for Easter this weekend... I am waiting for the country to return to work, so I know if all my workshops that I was participating in for 2020 are rescheduled or cancelled.
Tamra
|
Hello Tamra, If you have a cnc machine used to cut spindles using Vectric Aspire then the easy option would be to set up a 4th axis create a rotary code and cut the part, I don't think you would be able to to use a rotary cutter on a fixed tool post of a lathe. An example of rotary cutting using a 4th axis.? Phill  ? ?
|
??? ??? Tamara take a gander at this
??? ??? looks like it may be right up yer staircase . I think the
Walter Maisey guy I mentioned on youtube may have a vid about one
??? ??? animal
On 4/12/2020 9:17 PM, Tamra wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
John, its all theory right now, as a router bit cuts because it is
spinning at xxx rpm...so I won't know until I try it to see if
this will work.? But I know that I can get fine cuts when the
spindle is turning and I hold a tool in my hands.... so will see
if I can do this; if not I do have standard tool bits, similar to
those on Sherline's website.? At least they look the same to me,
but I purchased them on line.??
Animal, when I get those spindles done I will post a photo of the
staircase... but I'm just on the edge ready to get to the next
part.? Hopefully spindles in 2020!? If I'm unsuccessful using the
CNC because of an inability to programming or tooling, then I will
duplicate them the old fashioned way, or I may still duplicate
them the old fashioned way just because I like the finish better.
I have not done much of anything except bake & prepare for
Easter this weekend... I am waiting for the country to return to
work, so I know if all my workshops that I was participating in
for 2020 are rescheduled or cancelled.
Tamra
|
Tamra
Bill in OKC too
John Lindo