Member postings for Michael Gilligan

Ian,

Is this what you are looking for?

MichaelG.

Norman,

I wasn't knocking it ... Sorry if it came over that way.

Just pointing out that the calculations are difficult.

MichaelG.

Andy,

Yes,the Mac version of DraftSight works fine.

MichaelG.

The best bit is that I am still being paid 47p per unit I generate.

Jo's good fortune points to the reason why the Value For Money calculation is so difficult.

47p per unit is more than the consumer price ...

That's because the Feed In Tarrif is politically motivated ... it allows Government [on paper at least] to meet its obligations.

The sums look great whilst FITs are at the present high levels.

MichaelG.

Russell,

"a free version of a high end product can better a paid version of a cheap product"

Very true ... and that certainly seems to be the case with DraftSight [2D CAD from Dassault Systems]; which does everything that Autocad did a few generations back.

MichaelG.

P.S. Can you please point me to some info aout the Paper Cutter?

He is using it for more than simple Edge-Finding, but this may be what you have in mind, Russ.

MichaelG.

Les,

Strictly speaking, I suppose it IS digital

One or Zero, On or Off

... But one-bit digital isn't very interesting.

MichaelG.

An interesting diversion on my path to enlightenment ...

I found this amazing G-Code Viewer

It's Web-based, and runs WebGL ... so only works in some Browsers

But definitely worth a look.

MichaelG.

Thanks for that review, Jeff

... If that's the standard of spport from the Pro's, I am glad I can't afford it !!

Inkscape and gcodetools are both free and open-source ... being developed by enthusiasts.

MichaelG.

Pierre,

That's very useful, thanks

A clever design, which should have "self-aligning" properties because of the full radius "plain bearing"

... I would expect them to be good for deep holes.

MichaelG.

Russell,

Thanks for the comments

I've just had a very quick look through the PTC website, and was impressed by this video.

... CREO Elements definitely looks worth further investigation!

That said, it was the availability of gcodetools that really attracted me to Inkscape.

Thanks again

MichaelG.

Classic problem with Brass

Clockmakers use 5-sided Broaches for that very reason. [The resulting negative rake angle works a treat] ... unfortunately these are usually slightly tapered over the whole length; but I guess you could make something with a parallel section.

MichaelG.

Note: Topic is 'CNC machine tools' because that's what G-Code drives.

I have installed Inkscape and the gcodetools 'extension' on my Mac.

Both look very powerful, but I suspect that the learning curve will be steep.

Is there anyone out there with experience?

... I look forward to hearing from you!

MichaelG.

Update

Review of the Instruction Manual for the 1130 confirmed that mine is not that model, but the 1120.

Leica's excellent support continues ... I now have a PDF of the 1120 Instruction Manual.

Just as you said, Clive.

MichaelG.

That's pretty

MichaelG.

Further to John's suggestion about using the Mill and Rotary Table:

I just found this little gem, made by Marvin Machine Products Inc.

... what a useful project it would be, to build a replica!

MichaelG.

P.S.

More info here

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 23/06/2012 10:42:36

An excellent idea, Les ... certainly worth investigating.

Becky; if you decide to make a Slotting Attachment ... this design is excellent.

But; for occasional work, you can just remove the feedscrew from the lathe topslide and add a lever.

MichaelG.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 22/06/2012 20:28:02

Wow, that's impressive.

... I will have a think.

MichaelG.

Becky,

That sounds an interesting project! More information and some Photos would be appreciated.

... Is it this one?

The "Bible" is probably "Gears for Small Mechanisms" by W. O. Davies ... this covers the theory, and geometry in great detail, but not much on the practical side.

From your comments, I presume that you intend to Plane/Shape the teeth with a single point tool.

A few questions:

What material are you using for the gear?

How many teeth?

What profile?

How thick is the gear?

Do you already have a "Keyway Cutting Attachment", or do you plan to use the TopSlide on the Lathe?

Let us have a liitle more detail, and I'm sure this forum will help.

MichaelG.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 22/06/2012 16:50:14

Nathan,

Excellent advice, and well-worth sharing.

MichaelG.