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Headfirst into the CNC deep end today
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Headfirst into the CNC deep end today
I’m the proud new owner of a “new to me” Fireball Meteor CNC machine. It feels really odd to have a computer in the shop but I guess I need to get used to that. Fortunately for me, I am well versed in CAD, unfortunately not so much on the CAM side of things. My 3 kids are all experts and are steepening the learning curve dramatically, this would be overwhelming if they weren’t helping.
So far I’m using the Fusion 360 personal use version and it’s working out well. You can see in the photo my first CAM test, which went well apart from burying the tool up to the collet on the first attempt. I am learning quickly about Z axis touch offs and tool touch offs. That is a resonator guitar cover plate design in plywood. I’m currently waiting for a 220v 3hp spindle to show up so I can ditch the router. The ultimate plan is to cut out the metal tops, backs, cover plates, bridges etc for the metal resonator guitars I build. My kids helped me setup feeds and speeds templates for the different materials I plan to cut (stainless, mild steel, brass, bronze and wood). I’m currently drawing the 14 fret resonator neck in CAD so I can CAM it and do a test neck on a 2×4. That should be exciting.
My mind is going bonkers thinking of all the opportunities this thing opens up for me. I’m pretty excited and equally overwhelmed by it all.
Ok, no real point to this post, just thought I’d share.
James
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3 Replies
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So jealous!
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Fantastic!!!! Yes a computer in the shop seems a bit odd at first. Nice that you have some younger mentors for CAM. I’m learning CAM in Solidworks now…actually procrastinating in learning. Yet I know I will do this. My CNC (Tillie is her name!) was delivered this week but yet to me hooked up by the mfr. I’ll post when I have it running.
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Here’s the video of how it’s going so far, skip to 18:48 for the CNC part.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyoosBNV6xQ
Pretty good I think but I still have a long ways to go. My youngest son and I did get my spindle attached and wired and working. Going to cut some bronze resonator cover plates today and see how my first attempt at metal goes.
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