JSR, I used to run some large routers. The manufacturer would claim the ability to cut aluminum etc. Not to make nice parts you can't... A mill is a whole different beast. If you have a block of aluminum 25 mm thick and you want to carve a good size cavity with a 6mm endmill, a router will not do it...

JSR,

There is a ton of info re-doing these to CNC

http://www.harborfreight.com/two-speed- ... 44991.html

USGF

JSR, Regardless of size, you want accurate and smooth tool movement. The machine you linked too has in my opinion too many plastic parts. That basic design made with aluminum or better materials is exactly what you need. If you make the decision to go with ballscrews, note that most small machines l...

Gents, CNC machine builds - it's a huge world in itself. Then you add software, tooling, techniques, materials, projects, products. You get the idea. I'll start with insights on a basic machine build. I have ended up with giant machines. Even by industrial standards, my machines are large. It's simp...

JSR, You got the machining bug REAL BAD. Mike has it pretty bad too. I've had the same bug for over 35 years. In a nutshell, I'd start with a cast iron machine for a CNC conversion. If that is not doable, then a machine built up with linear ball or roller bearings. Taigs, Sherlines, Maxncs and other...

JSR, Thanks for the plug. In thinking about your fins, you have a milling machine I believe. If you can stand the material on end with maybe a 3 jaw chuck mounted in a rotary table, you could machine these fins with a long small diameter end mill. You can deviate away from the shape a ball end mill ...

JSR, Ram set pins? I thought we were gonna cut old truck axles. They are real hard. We got some 3" od UHMW bars here for fins...... :D I suspect Ramset pins are case hardened steel. Piano wire works pretty good, so does old needle gun pins. For bigger stuff, the shanks from small concrete busters wo...

jackssmirkingrevenge wrote: I don't know if you had seen my "APFSDS" projectiles. I have a feeling that mass produced, these could prove to be quite popular

Need a large turn mill and some UHMW.... I sure'd like to see the damage video.

USGF

JSR,

You got a lathe now. Think you will machine similar molds anytime soon?


USGF

: Its fine with things like shrader valves, but brass fittings are a disaster in comparison. If you have a straight coupling, we often chuck up the coupler, thread in the part you want to modify, do your deed and then remove it from the coupling. No damaged threads, good concentricity if the chuck ...

JSR, Initially, it ain't the dust that screws you up. It's the cutting oil mist that causes the dust n dirt to stick to everything. We got a half dozen PC's in the main CNC bay. We just buy cheap PCs and let em run till they die. Yes, back up and all that stuff. The chips are heavy and so don't fly ...

jackssmirkingrevenge wrote: I have access to pretty much any acid I want

Very dangerous that Nitric acid.

USGF

JSR,

What happened to the silver solder!!! I hate waiting for epoxy...

USGF

Mirror or not, I'd protect my camera anyway. It's the large fire balls that get you every time...

USGF

snip The United States differs from its geographical and cultural neighbors. Why does the United States still carry out executions in 2011 when the practice has ceased in all those countries with a similar cultural and religious background? We have figured out rehabilitation don't really work that ...