Post by jv on May 9, 2020 12:50:49 GMT
For anyone wanting to get their 4th axis up and running quick, I suggest using DeskProto's free trial version. If you're like me, trying to figure out Aspire and fusion 360 all at once, this program is easy (at least to cut on the 4th axis). I haven't tried the program out for anything else and this was my first 4th axis cut. Overall this is my 5th attempt at ever cutting anything. It took me 45 minutes tops to start cutting on the 4th axis. I watched Deskproto's set up video and the video on the Venus file they have on youtube. I used their generic GRBL machine in setup. They have an option for the rotary to click.
Stuff that comes to mind
- DeskProto, Millright's 4th axis UGS
- I didn't use a roughing pass, so no judging on the cut. I didn't think the tool path was going to work and when the Mega V started to cut, so I let the machine do it's thing and burn some wood in the process. I'm not even sure if I used the correct end mill. But the fourth axis is alive and running.
- Raise your end mill up into the router chuck a little more than normal ( remember I am new to all this). My Z axis kept slamming upwards when running the program. I think this had to do with setting my zero. I really didn't pay to much attention to all that stuff. I wanted to see a working file go through it's movements... and had been trying to edit and see if I could get a post processor working for Aspire and using the 4th axis. I am probably over thinking all that aspire post processor stuff for the 4th axis.....
Possible future improvements: Tell me what you guys think here to accommodate a bigger diameter
- Maybe cut the 4th axis plate in half to extend the length of the 4th axis. It should be good as long as everything is squared up. That should be simple using and end mill and jogging the X or Y. I have limited time when I do get to use my machine at the current moment. So I think if memory serves me right, this might be the easiest option
- Remove a section of T plate and make adjustment to the height of the 3 jaw chuck and tail stock when using the 4th axis.
- Add spacers to raise the 3 jaw chuck and tail stock along with higher risers for the machine. There's a couple people talking about getting some made up.
- Make a longer plate for the 3 jaw chuck and tail stock
Reason for making adjustments to the 4th axis
- Home Depot sells 2" dowels.
The Venus cut is on a 1 1/4" dowel, the second picture is of a 2" dowel.
The Mega V is a beast of a machine so far.
Update 5/19/20:
The baluster and Vader helmet are my first to successful carves on the 4th axis. Being new to all this and trying to figure stuff out.
- The 2" dowels from Home Depot to practice with can sometimes catch a little on the Black aluminum rail the tail stock slides on. That tolerance it tight. I plan to sand/grind a little groove into the aluminium rail right down the middle for just a little more clearance so the dowel doesn't rub against it.
- The Z limit switch.... What a pain in the butt! I basically disconnected it for 4th axis carves. When you run the tool path, the Z axis raises up and bumps the limit switch. It's right there every time for me. The Z plate never tops out, but is extremely close.
Stuff that comes to mind
- DeskProto, Millright's 4th axis UGS
- I didn't use a roughing pass, so no judging on the cut. I didn't think the tool path was going to work and when the Mega V started to cut, so I let the machine do it's thing and burn some wood in the process. I'm not even sure if I used the correct end mill. But the fourth axis is alive and running.
- Raise your end mill up into the router chuck a little more than normal ( remember I am new to all this). My Z axis kept slamming upwards when running the program. I think this had to do with setting my zero. I really didn't pay to much attention to all that stuff. I wanted to see a working file go through it's movements... and had been trying to edit and see if I could get a post processor working for Aspire and using the 4th axis. I am probably over thinking all that aspire post processor stuff for the 4th axis.....
Possible future improvements: Tell me what you guys think here to accommodate a bigger diameter
- Maybe cut the 4th axis plate in half to extend the length of the 4th axis. It should be good as long as everything is squared up. That should be simple using and end mill and jogging the X or Y. I have limited time when I do get to use my machine at the current moment. So I think if memory serves me right, this might be the easiest option
- Remove a section of T plate and make adjustment to the height of the 3 jaw chuck and tail stock when using the 4th axis.
- Add spacers to raise the 3 jaw chuck and tail stock along with higher risers for the machine. There's a couple people talking about getting some made up.
- Make a longer plate for the 3 jaw chuck and tail stock
Reason for making adjustments to the 4th axis
- Home Depot sells 2" dowels.
The Venus cut is on a 1 1/4" dowel, the second picture is of a 2" dowel.
The Mega V is a beast of a machine so far.
Update 5/19/20:
The baluster and Vader helmet are my first to successful carves on the 4th axis. Being new to all this and trying to figure stuff out.
- The 2" dowels from Home Depot to practice with can sometimes catch a little on the Black aluminum rail the tail stock slides on. That tolerance it tight. I plan to sand/grind a little groove into the aluminium rail right down the middle for just a little more clearance so the dowel doesn't rub against it.
- The Z limit switch.... What a pain in the butt! I basically disconnected it for 4th axis carves. When you run the tool path, the Z axis raises up and bumps the limit switch. It's right there every time for me. The Z plate never tops out, but is extremely close.
