The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

[newmexico]

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

[ger21]

3. Not to be starting a forum brawl... I wish we could run our machines with Mac computers.

Bootcamp.

[IslaWW]

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

You can be sure. It is not

[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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cDfgLEq5d0

[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

[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".

[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: https://youtu.be/X7SzwVDPtks

[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: https://youtu.be/hSTUl5yy2AE

[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_continue=8&v=0WfCpRiBctQ
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.

[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.

[Tailmaker]

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?

[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.