Denford Software & Machines

Hello

We have a Vertical Router and plan to use the 4th Axis for the first time.

I presume I can mount the 4th Axis either horizontally or vertically as long as I have the x and y axis set appropriately in the QuickCam 4D CNC Output window. Is that correct?

Thanks
Phil

I think you have to set the orientation in Machine Capability.

IV axis - A,B,C, (1,2 or 3) we normally position it on the X axis & set it to 1.

RE: feed rate and spindle speed. The help PDF says see an appendix that is not there.

Using a 6mm ballnose on hardwood what might be a reasonable feed rate, spindle speed and roughing cut depth? I am thinking:

feed rate = 2000
spindle speed = 3000
roughing cut depth = 2mm

Do these sound about right?

does this help

Yes, thanks. So very different to what I was considering.

I did some light oak for a kids project at school. I learnt the hard way... a couple of cutters and waisted wood. Most important thing is rigidity, clamp it down! I had 18mm ply clamped to the machine, an 18mm ply sacrificial bed screwed into the back of the Oak and then to the 18mm clamped to the machine. I also has double sided tape between the oak and the bed for the bits i couldn't get screws in. Watch for chatter on the cutter

The 2 pieces were 3d profiles about 300 x 200 x 50mm each took about 3hrs to machine!
Pete

Thanks for the tip Pete. Not sure it is entirely relevant to my current attempt to use the 4th axis but I do a little 3D every now and again and am definitely interested in what you say.

And wow, that is some serious levels of securing the piece. I have only 3D cut mdf or ply. I clamp the pieces using tee-nuts on a sacrificial board that lives permanently secured to the machine. This involves adding "bridges" in the software that are cut off once the piece is removed from the router. This is a process I have developed by myself with no reference to anyone who knows what they are doing and may appal you experts here! I am going to look at what you have explained. One question: why do you use two layers of ply - is this because you have one permanently in place as a sacrificial board and so it is easier to secure the second ply to this rather than remove it?

Cheers
Phil

I only did it for this job, normally I use the vacuum bed, It was really so I could secure the oak to the sac bed and then it was easier to secure that to the other in the machine. The microrouter doesn't have a bed as such, just 2 rails on the x.

I won't do anything like that again with a school project, just the time/risk is too much. Generally its just MDF flatpack type projects or 3d in model foam (I actually reground the tip of a 6mm drill to a ball nose so i could blast through foam at 60mm deep passes at 4m travel to keep the machine time down)

Pete

OK thanks Pete.