The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

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newmexico
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Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Post by newmexico »

I'm not sure if the ATC is available for the Shopbot Desktops.

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Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Post by ger21 »

newmexico wrote: 3. Not to be starting a forum brawl... I wish we could run our machines with Mac computers.
Bootcamp.
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IslaWW
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Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Post by IslaWW »

newmexico wrote:I'm not sure if the ATC is available for the Shopbot Desktops.
You can be sure. It is not
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Ken Rychlik
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Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Post by Ken Rychlik »

Top load tool changer like this would solve the dust skirt issue. Here is a vid of my last machine, and the new one will be similar.
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Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Post by IslaWW »

What is most likely the last frame for the year has arrived. Custom build an "Ultimate Woodworking Machine" for your shop.

GCnC411@gmail.com
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Gary Campbell
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TReischl
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Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Post by TReischl »

For some reason this does not strike me as a "Tip or Trick" kind of thread, more like marketing. Maybe better off if it were in "Hardware".
"If you see a good fight, get in it." Dr. Vernon Johns

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Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Post by IslaWW »

Guys...
Many of us use a drag knife on occasion, but few know about one of the built in features of the WinCNC Controller, Tangential Knife Control.

Here is a 5 minute video showing my first cuts on a tangential knife that I built. It uses standard sized utility knife blades, but I am using the higher priced Lenox Carbide Blades. It looks like speeds can be increased and still retain quality, at least in the double ply corrugated and Coroplast that I had on hand for the test cuts.

Toolpaths are generated with VCarve Pro using a "WinCNC Knife" post processor. Earlier versions used a stepper motor, but they were losing steps due to the "bursts of pulses" that occur going around circles.


Enjoy:
Gary Campbell
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IslaWW
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Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Post by IslaWW »

Another test to see how far the cut feeds could be pushed. With a level spoilboard and good material 450-500 ipm are attainable.

Enjoy:
Gary Campbell
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Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Post by Tailmaker »

Looks really cool. I was looking to build or buy such an accessory vs. a drag knife but ran into this oscillating tangential knife: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... WfCpRiBctQ
The advantage would be the ability to cut really thick and soft materials like foam. At under 400 Euro it looks quite reasonable and I could deal with the special required tool adapter.
The special slim carbide blades are however way (WAY) more expensive than carpet knife blades. So...not sure what I am going to do.

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Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Post by IslaWW »

Tailmaker….
That is always the quandary. Getting the correct tool for the job. Oscillating knives work best for soft and/or thick materials, but for the most part wont do fine work like veneer inlays well due to the requirement of a "spongy base".

Of course they are not a "works for everything" solution, but considering the common items (and some not so common) that can be cut with a fixed tangential blade, they are pretty versatile. And penny a piece blades don't hurt either.
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Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Post by Tailmaker »

IslaWW wrote:Tailmaker….That is always the quandary. Getting the correct tool for the job...
I think this gets to the point (and my quandary). I don't need these methods because I have a "job" to do but because I like the challenge of implementing the technology see if I can improve something. But I am retired and consider these things my toys. If something comes out of it that I can sell, even better....

For that matter, and since I don't have a WinCNC controller, I might write a standalone post-post-processor that adds the required knife turn (and lift) control g-code to a regular "on" tool path g-code to be used with any controller. Should be pretty easy to do. Or is that already somewhere available?

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IslaWW
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Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Post by IslaWW »

" I don't need these methods because I have a "job" to do but because I like the challenge of implementing the technology see if I can improve something. But I am retired and consider these things my toys. If something comes out of it that I can sell, even better...."

Which is my exact motivation!


I have seen those "post post processors" around, but not lately. There are a number of CAD programs that will output the C axis positions, or you could simply do it with M$ Excel. Writing one, would of course, be the best solution.
Gary Campbell
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GCnC411 (at) gmail.com

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