- Joined
- Mar 5, 2012
- Messages
- 161
As shown in the pictures, I am designing a dedicated machine (or jig) to cut the interior and exterior of drums. The drum shown was cut using a wood lathe and has a 14 inch diameter. It is approximately 6.5 inches deep and 1/2 inch thick. Note, this will NOT be a CNC machine. I'm simply attempting to make very accurate cuts that need to be parallel to each other (interior and exterior). I purchased 4 linear rails with bearing blocks and hope to use them as the basis for this jig. I am undecided if I will attach this to the lathe bed or build a dedicated machine. I am leaning towards a dedicated machine primarily because the lathe is in a maker space. A jig will require set up and removal for each work day.
A preliminary mock up is shown in the pictures. Could use some assistance to determine if anything is inherently wrong with my ideas (quite likely). Ideally, the machine should be able to cut drums of various diameters from 8 inches to perhaps 22 inches. The Y axis therefore needs travel of 15 inches. (22-8)/2. A hand crank lead screw is planned for the Y axis, since it needs to move in small increments for each shell. The raw shell starts at around 1 inch thick and ends around 0.5 inch. I am removing roughly 0.25 inch from the interior and exterior. This needs to be repeatable and accurate.
The X axis will also use a lead screw, likely powered with a DC gear motor and motor controller. Ideally, I'd like to cut deeper shells, as much as 16 inches. However, I'm resigned to the fact that this may not be possible.
Specific questions:
- There will be a plate between the upper and lower bearing blocks. Is 0.5 inch aluminum sufficient?
- As shown in pictures, the X axis uses only one linear rail and two bearing blocks. Would two rails and 4 blocks be a good idea?
- Obviously, I won't be using plywood for the boring bar! What material should I use?
- Should the boring bar be attached directly to the bearing blocks as shown, or should I use a base to which the boring bar is attached? I would appreciate any additional thoughts about the boring bar, since I know that there are many options.
Appreciate any and all replies.
Thanks
Jim
A preliminary mock up is shown in the pictures. Could use some assistance to determine if anything is inherently wrong with my ideas (quite likely). Ideally, the machine should be able to cut drums of various diameters from 8 inches to perhaps 22 inches. The Y axis therefore needs travel of 15 inches. (22-8)/2. A hand crank lead screw is planned for the Y axis, since it needs to move in small increments for each shell. The raw shell starts at around 1 inch thick and ends around 0.5 inch. I am removing roughly 0.25 inch from the interior and exterior. This needs to be repeatable and accurate.
The X axis will also use a lead screw, likely powered with a DC gear motor and motor controller. Ideally, I'd like to cut deeper shells, as much as 16 inches. However, I'm resigned to the fact that this may not be possible.
Specific questions:
- There will be a plate between the upper and lower bearing blocks. Is 0.5 inch aluminum sufficient?
- As shown in pictures, the X axis uses only one linear rail and two bearing blocks. Would two rails and 4 blocks be a good idea?
- Obviously, I won't be using plywood for the boring bar! What material should I use?
- Should the boring bar be attached directly to the bearing blocks as shown, or should I use a base to which the boring bar is attached? I would appreciate any additional thoughts about the boring bar, since I know that there are many options.
Appreciate any and all replies.
Thanks
Jim