Version 3.55 Released

[ArtF]

Hi Guys:

  Version 3.55 is online. It includes the toolbit wizard for making a cutting form tool.

Ill ask Bob to update the manual form next update. In the meantime, here are some explainat ions
of the parameter s involved.

 Round Stock Diameter: 

    This is the size of the round stock your going to use. It defaults at startup to the minimum size stock necessary, change it to relect the actual stock size, then hit recalcula te.

Thickness Percentag e.

   This is the size of the bar that will be made. I'll change this perhaps to being automatic, the bar must be thin enough to allow for the tool to properly cut
the radial diamteter of the tooth. 25% shoudl work in most instances .


Collar Ratio:

    This is the length of the bar thats made. Its usually safe to be anywhere from 0 to 200% of the actual tooth length, the default of 1.5 ( 150% of tooth depth)
should work well for almost all tools.

End tool thickness is readonly, it lets you know the tools wthicknes s as programme d.

 The rest are self explanato ry.

 Have fun, Ive cut timing pulley tools, involutes ..etc.. all seems to work well.

Thx

Art

[Jeff]

Art,

How does one access the wizard? I've tried every menu item I can find.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Bloy]

After generatin g a gear, right click on the gear in the project data base tree on the left.  The option for running the tool wizard for selected gear will be there.   See Attachmen t...


I'm catching up on all the improveme nts myself... been outside digging(and wheel barrowing) a 12x12x7 foot basement extension with outside access. (whew! Also landscapi ng with removed earth and rocks/boulders!)

John Bloy

[Jeff]

John,

Thank you - I wouldn't have found it for some time.

Jeff

[Mooselake]

Thanks again, Art!  Another reason to buy and CNC a G0704!

John: that's a big hole to dig with a wheelbarr ow.  I'd come help since you're only 250 miles south of here, but it's too far to drive the (trailer less) Bobcat.

Kirk

[ArtF]

  I realise that most probably dont have a rotary table.. but I figure those that do and are into making toolbits will probably find the module handly. Next time Bob is over Ill shoot a video of a tool being made so the process is understoo d more clearly.

Thx
Art

[Mooselake]

Keep the changes coming; they're a good excuse to decide it's time to upgrade to a new router.

Hubbard CNC has a $60 6 inch rotary that looks like a great deal, other than it's too big to use with my enclosed ZenbotMin i.  Pretty simple, just a stepper, belt, frame, and urethane table.  A similar homebuilt shouldn't be too hard.

Kirk

[ArtF]

Kirk:

  I agree, mine is a hybrid, a rotary flat table from ebay with a chuck pressfit into the center hole.
Almost anything will work since there is very little torque demand form a rotary table..

    That particula r module was a necessity as its about the only way to really make a timing pulley of any depth.
While its possible to come up with a strategy to do timing pulleys with normal bits.. its a bit of a bitch so Id rather
have the freedom to tell someone, " just make a toolbit.. the pulley is simple to make after that.. "

 I have more modules in planning, we'll see what comes next. The good thing for me about GM, is that it does what
its supposed to do, so I dont feel pressure on any particula r idea, their all gravy to users, so I can work on what interests me
and go at my own pace. 

  Ill let you all know what it is I decide for the next module to be done..but it wont require a 4th axis. 


Art

[Bloy]

John: that's a big hole to dig with a wheelbarr ow.  I'd come help since you're only 250 miles south of here, but it's too far to drive the (trailer less) Bobcat.

Kirk

Hi Kirk,
Not to stray from the topic, but taking leeway because of sparce posting, I will respond.. .

My nephew offered to come and dig it out with a backhoe from my brother's business, but I declined.  Aside from avoiding the instant mess that would be created, I need the therapy. I can keep the premises neat while keeping my wife happy with gradual environme ntal changes.
I like to think of it as an "eventual" basement extension, while in the mean time I have my own personal Quary on site.  :-)

John Bloy.
  PS...Besi des the 12x12x7, there is a 6x6x7 added pocket for an elevator/lift to get things out of the basement.

[bosr]

Next time Bob is over Ill shoot a video of a tool being made so the process is understoo d more clearly.

Thx
Art

I'm Looking forward to the vid, have some helical bevels and some timing gears to make shortly.

Do we still need to tilt the 4th axis for cutting helicals?

Suggestio n for one of your next projects:  Plasma lead-ins for cutting spurs.

[John S]

Suggestio n for one of your next projects:  Plasma lead-ins for cutting spurs.

No need, export the gear as a DXF and get your plasma program to add the lead-in's