Stu

What sort of cutters are you using? Ive got some partially worn but still pretty reasonably ones here you can try if you'd like?

C series in my EP - seems to take the 11sec punishment fine.

Looking great! Out of interest, what step over % are you using for the tool paths?

At worst use some double sided tape to stick it to the bed, it scraps off again easy enough with after.

The 4.762 is a straight cutter. With ACM, if the pieces are really fine and need small internal radii then you can step down to a 3.174 vortex down cutter that will push the swarf into the gaps which helps cut parts to stay on the bed rather than flying off or getting sucked up the extractor.

Yeah spindle speed makes a world of difference, especially for clearing the chips. There's a few calculators around for working out feeds and speeds but I've found all machines vary a bit so its really a case of fine tuning. I use 4.762 O-flute cutters for ACM, single pass, 18000rpm spindle speed, feed rates around 3000mm/min but you may need to drop back to 1800mm/min depending on how your spindle and servos handle it. For ACM you could also try a 6mm 2 flute slow helix spiral cutter at 16000rpm and 3600mm/min feed rates. Finish is usually perfect on the top edge if you find that sweet spot. 3mm ali I cut in a single pass using a 6mm x 12mm single flute up-cutter with 8mm shank at 18000rpm and 1800mm/min, good suction is key for holding shit down or even screw the stock down to the bed, things get really exciting if the stock moves and fires off around the workshop. My main machine runs a 14kw spindle so stops for nothing. Thicker ali I drop back to multiple passes if using the 6mm tool, but will cut 10mm in a single pass with the bigger dia cutters. We cut up to 40mm plate but its pretty slow going with many steps. MDF wise we don't cut a lot, we used to make 3D vacuum mold tooling but not so much these day. We sometimes will cut 18mm in a single pass with a 9.25mm compression cutter (down/up cut) with chip breaker. Just be careful on your entry path and speeds are slow - too fast of an entry or direct plunge and you risk setting fire to the MDF which is super sketchy as embers can fire up into the extractor... One of my guys didn't take this into consideration when programming a job and it was lucky I walked in just as it happened so disaster was averted. Hopefully some of this helps.

What tooling are you using? Ive got a couple of flatbeds here running ali, acm, acrylic, ply and mdf so might have some applicable feed rates etc if you needed them.

Out of interest where did you get the brushes for your dust shroud? I need to make up a new shroud for one of my machines.

There used to be a Jaycar kit that had a simulated speed output - I used it a couple of times on Blacktop 20v swaps into older cars without the reed switch in the cluster to create the signal. Not sure if they are still available but it would solve your issue.

Do head gaskets come in 5 packs?

It was a hybrid T3/T4 mongrel thing, big front on a standard T3 frame and 0.58 rear from memory, cobbled together from parts I had.

My TD42 ran at 600-650 preturbo all the time and 700 under really heavy load when towing a trailer. On the non-compensated 10mm pump it would just get past 18psi with the wastgate wired shut, rolled coal down low but meh. The compensated 11mm pump made quite a difference, and I also fitted a low pressure lift pump which helped quite a bit.

So dreamy!

Im not sure, I know it works but I don't have any dos discs for it. Havent sat down to search for anything yet.

Cool thread! I have this "laptop", it works, just need an operating system and games for many lols

Might need that transparent floor installed so you can see the track when launching

Does it do jumps

Wait till he starts delving into the wonderful world of 20v... 4age mad scientist ver2.0 will be born. Bahaha (points and laughs)

Bahaha (points and laughs)

DaveScienceTM is alive and well

Following this with interest! I've got two flat bed routers here at work but have been half heatedly looking to build a smaller 2440x1220 machine for light work (ACM, acrylic and 3mm and under ali). Also interested in the control gear being used - Ive got a Mach4 control system in a box here as a backup for the Icam which is still running the ancient NEE controller which will no doubt grenade at somepoint when its critically required.

Yeah thats the notes I was going to find for you, there might be a few more bits and pieces, will be able to get to them tomorrow

Ive wired a couple of these over the years - will dig out my notes.

Yeah it will be the relay wiring, its commonly done, have seen this quite a few times

From memory there is an updated wiring diagram on the link FAQ on how the ecu needs to be powered. I can dig up the wiring diagrams for the last few customers cars Ive wired up if you want too.