Above 1200 Sq/FT Eastern Washington Workshop

[lilscorpion]

I have their CAT40 tool clamp on order. Not sure why a person would have two, or why there’s two sets of slots.

Sweet. I’ve never set up cat tooling. Wish there was something like this for the R8 stuff I have. I usually have to swap the tools in the machine. I’m used to it but would prefer to do so on the bench (or on a cart).

Only reason I could imagine you’d want two is if you could have two different kinds of tooling in the cart. Could you swap out the inserts and run both 40 and 50 in the same cart maybe?

 

[slodat]

Right/left hand use case scenarios?

I suppose so.. Makes sense.

Sweet. I’ve never set up cat tooling. Wish there was something like this for the R8 stuff I have. I usually have to swap the tools in the machine. I’m used to it but would prefer to do so on the bench (or on a cart).

Only reason I could imagine you’d want two is if you could have two different kinds of tooling in the cart. Could you swap out the inserts and run both 40 and 50 in the same cart maybe?

The thing with R8 is your tool height changes every time you change tools. I know there are TTS clamp setups for putting those together. Not sure on CAT50 on the same cart. I doubt a real shop would do that. Probably have a CAT50 cart close to those machines. I dunno. I don't like the extra holes and will probably make a new shelf.

 

[zanyad]

Sweet. I’ve never set up cat tooling. Wish there was something like this for the R8 stuff I have. I usually have to swap the tools in the machine. I’m used to it but would prefer to do so on the bench (or on a cart).

The thing with R8 is your tool height changes every time you change tools. I know there are TTS clamp setups for putting those together. Not sure on CAT50 on the same cart. I doubt a real shop would do that. Probably have a CAT50 cart close to those machines. I dunno. I don't like the extra holes and will probably make a new shelf.

They do make quick change tooling for R8 spindles, here's one from Royal: https://royalproducts.com/product-line/royal-r8-quick-change-tooling-system/

NB: it's intended for light- to medium-duty use, where the quick change capability is needed but maximum rigidity isn't.

 

[zanyad]

They do make quick change tooling for R8 spindles, here's one from Royal: https://royalproducts.com/product-line/royal-r8-quick-change-tooling-system/

NB: it's intended for light- to medium-duty use, where the quick change capability is needed but maximum rigidity isn't.

See also: the Tormach Tooling System (TTS): https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2698

 

[slodat]

Continuing work on the stab kits. The laser makes really nice cuts in the Kaizen foam. Sadly it’s not good on the walls of the cut. Perfect job for the CNC router. It took a little figuring.

First attempt. Not good.



After some reading online found that conventional cutting (vs climb) is the trick.

Much better. Still room for a little improvement.



Happy with this:





Coming together.



Need to engrave the ends and make the label for the outside of the box.

 

[slodat]

Much needed downtime today in the shop. Working on several things.. One of which is mounting the Fogbuster nozzles on the Haas. I'm going to use existing fastener locations for the factory chip shield. It's not doing much and coolant is much more important to me.

I scanned the factory part on the flatbed scanner, imported into CAD so I could use it for reference geometry.



Reference geometry:


This was imported into Fusion 360, and I started whittling away. I combined the loc-line mounts into the part.




Next up is the slicer:


Now, we wait. Will be ready for me when I get to the shop in the morning.

 

[slodat]

Printed part worked out well.








Mounted up on the machine. This should work well. I haven't decided if I'll make a new chip shield. I am going to make some clamps to hold the hose out of the way.

 

[slodat]

One of my design intents is to use existing fastener locations, threaded holes, etc whenever possible. This is true whether its a car, machine tool, or whatever. The Haas in my first venture into true automation. I want things tidy, up and out of the way. Drew a clamp for the Fogbuster hoses.





This first clamp is for #10 screw locations on the side of the head. Captured nut for the free end of the clamp.

 

[nicholam77]

Awesome work with the 3D printing. Using a scanner to reference parts is a great idea!

 

[WoodsTruck]

I just received some thread-serts for inserting into my 3D prints. Haven't tried any yet, but have a project in mind to use them on. Thinking I will like them better than keeping track of a nut embedded in the print box.

 

[rattle_snake]

Impressive attention to detail on all aspects of the machinery... I'm jealous. Your shop has come so far and now all the automated CNC tooling I wish I had.

 

[slodat]

Awesome work with the 3D printing. Using a scanner to reference parts is a great idea!

Thank you. Definitely not my original idea. It works well as a reference to create geometry. The 3d printer took time to become a part of my process and work flow. Coming up on 3 years with it in the shop it has become a go to machine. I can’t wait for the Prusa XL to arrive later this year.

I just received some thread-serts for inserting into my 3D prints. Haven't tried any yet, but have a project in mind to use them on. Thinking I will like them better than keeping track of a nut embedded in the print box.

I ordered some as well a while back. I haven’t used them yet. I love the simplicity of captured nuts. In the applications I’ve used them thus far they have been great. The inserts are an even cleaner solution.

Impressive attention to detail on all aspects of the machinery... I'm jealous. Your shop has come so far and now all the automated CNC tooling I wish I had.

Thank you. The same can be said with your attention to detail in your projects! The shop has evolved into a true extension of my brain. Good or bad

If things go the way I hope the do, I’ve barely scratched the surface! The shop keeps me sane and happy. Thanks for following my journey!

 

[slodat]

Took a few iterations to get the Fogbuster mount sorted out. Main issue was possibly crashing with the tool changer. This should do the trick.

 

[cycle61]

NEVER MODIFY MACHINE

 

[Finallygotit]

NEVER MODIFY MACHINE

Where's the fun in that?!?! Pffftt.......

 

[slodat]

Well.. I just got home from two weeks in Okinawa, Japan. It was equal parts amazing and truly awful. Okinawa is truly an amazing place. The July weather... is the worst I've personally endured. Temps were 85-90F 24/7, humidity in the 80's, dew point in the 80's. This means you sweat continuously. It NEVER stops. Ever. With that said, our project went well, and my team did a great job! My trip home was 28.5 hours door to door. I still haven't really slept for ****. Hopefully soon.

With that.. I'm looking forward to spending the coming weekend in the shop, and air conditioning!

 

[slodat]

My sleep schedule is all jacked up. I tossed and turned for six hours last night.

Anyway.. I did manage to install the rest of the fogbuster hose clamps yesterday. They worked out well. Installation has turned out as tidy as I was able to figure. Should work well.

 

[slodat]

I haven’t slept for **** since I got back from Okinawa. Tonight is no exception. Sleep for about 2-3 hours then up all night tossing and turning.

Thought I’d share some photos I took in Okinawa. We were working on Kadena air base. We stayed nearby in Chatan. I had a really nice little condo with a marina view.



There was an American style coffee shop that had a car show going on. They love American classic cars.

 

[slodat]

The food did not disappoint.

 

[gte718p]

The food did not disappoint.

If I am not mistaken, that is one of my absolute favorite ramen places. Just off the main highway.

 

[Jayman17]

Good to see an update. Thanks for posting the photos of your trip, that place you stayed at sure had a nice view.

Jay

 

[slodat]

If I am not mistaken, that is one of my absolute favorite ramen places. Just off the main highway.

That is a ramen spot. This was my favorite by far. A very short distance away on the same road.



View sitting at the counter:

 

[Grant Gunderson]

I haven’t slept for **** since I got back from Okinawa. Tonight is no exception. Sleep for about 2-3 hours then up all night tossing and turning.

I spend a month in Japan once or twice a year for work. Going over the jet lag works in your favor. On the return it’s working against you. I have found taking some melatonin before bed helps me sleep through the night better and allows for a faster time adjusting back.

 

[slodat]

Good to see an update. Thanks for posting the photos of your trip, that place you stayed at sure had a nice view.

Jay

It was a really nice place to stay. Was about $100/night. Had small kitchenette, laundry, sofa. I really enjoyed staying there.

Couple more shots from the balcony.

 

[slodat]

I spend a month in Japan once or twice a year for work. Going over the jet lag works in your favor. On the return it’s working against you. I have found taking some melatonin before bed helps me sleep through the night better and allows for a faster time adjusting back.

Thank you for the recommendation. At the rate I'm going it will be a week or more before I'm somewhat back to normal. It only took two days on the Okinawa side. Also, your 10EE restoration is looking great! I don't need another lathe, but I will jump at the chance to get a 10EE in the shop.

 

[slodat]

NEVER MODIFY MACHINE

I just realized that is on the front of the head on the mill! That's funny!

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Thank you for the recommendation. At the rate I'm going it will be a week or more before I'm somewhat back to normal. It only took two days on the Okinawa side. Also, your 10EE restoration is looking great! I don't need another lathe, but I will jump at the chance to get a 10EE in the shop.

I’ve had to get pretty efficient with managing jet lag as I typically do a full years work in just 4 months of the year so during “work” season I don’t get much time to deal with it. I’m also enjoying your thread. Wish I had more room for more of your toys in the shop, but given the real estate in Bellingham that’s not happening anytime soon unless I move back to the east side of the state and I think I’d melt then.

 

[slodat]

I’ve had to get pretty efficient with managing jet lag as I typically do a full years work in just 4 months of the year so during “work” season I don’t get much time to deal with it. I’m also enjoying your thread. Wish I had more room for more of your toys in the shop, but given the real estate in Bellingham that’s not happening anytime soon unless I move back to the east side of the state and I think I’d melt then.

I'm glad you're enjoying the shop thread. I really enjoy putting it out there! Not many folks understand what we do in these spaces. Garage Journal is awesome for that!

I truly LOVE the weather in Eastern Washington. And, my real estate cost here was very low. It's a big part of how I can afford to equip the shop well. I don't see me leaving the area. I thoroughly enjoy getting the hell out of here often, and it's a great home base for me.

 

[slodat]

I bought one of these 24" lazy susan bearings last year to use in the spray booth. It worked out well. Ordered another for use with the 3D scanner.



I had a chunk of white melamine to use at the rotary table surface. Quick drawing..



point and click as they say..



Sprayed it with Marsh stencil ink..



36" lazy susan with just about the right amount of rolling resistance. The 24" bearing makes for a very stable surface..

 

[Grant Gunderson]

I ordered a smaller version for painting my lathe parts a while back. Probably one of the best things I’ve done to make painting easier.

 

[slodat]

Working on a 3D scanning project. I need to get the work flow dialed in. Test project is a door panel for my Nissan Frontier shop truck. This scan isn't super useful per se. Thought I might want it later.




After deleting unneeded data:





This thing really uses the PC resources!




More to follow!

 

[ptt49er]

I'm really interested in how you'll use that point cloud data.

We have the opportunity to use it some with work for rehab fit ups but struggle using it for more than a visual comparison tool. Creating planes or solid services is almost impossible and using what is create with sheet metal parts designed for fabrication is frustratingly impracticable.

 

[slodat]

My application is to use the scan data to build reference geometry. The door panel scan will have no practical use. I just did it prior to removal. The useful scan will be of the door. Then I’ll design a new door panel on top of that.

What software are you using for reverse engineering? The scanner came bundled with Geomagic Essentials. This can be used to create planes, surfaces, etc from the scan. I’m obviously still learning.

 

[gearhead1960]

The 3D scanning has so many uses. I'm in the Survey field and it's use is exploding. One idea I've had for automotive use (if someone isn't already doing this) is to use it to compare body repairs. If you have damage on a car, having the original area/part scan compared to what needs to be repaired might be helpful.....

 

[ptt49er]

My application is to use the scan data to build reference geometry. The door panel scan will have no practical use. I just did it prior to removal. The useful scan will be of the door. Then I’ll design a new door panel on top of that.

What software are you using for reverse engineering? The scanner came bundled with Geomagic Essentials. This can be used to create planes, surfaces, etc from the scan. I’m obviously still learning.

Autodesk ReCap and Inventor. It sounds like we're using the point clouds in the same way. When you scan an entire room or facility those files become HUGE. It's exciting technology but we don't use it enough to become proficient with using it. That makes it a little frustrating.

 

[GeddyT]

I work at a refinery, and there was recently a project to install new Rube-Goldbergesque sample stations on the units I operate. I was the ops rep at the meetings where final design was approved, and I was pretty surprised when the project engineers presented point cloud scans with proposed piping modifications inserted. I was able to rotate around a pretty large area of the unit in 3D, complete with full-color imagery overlay. When I was finished being surprised at how cool it was and that the plant would have approved the expense for such a minor project, all I could think was, "These files must be HUGE!" There had to have been tens of millions of points in that model.

 

[gearhead1960]

I work at a refinery, and there was recently a project to install new Rube-Goldbergesque sample stations on the units I operate. I was the ops rep at the meetings where final design was approved, and I was pretty surprised when the project engineers presented point cloud scans with proposed piping modifications inserted. I was able to rotate around a pretty large area of the unit in 3D, complete with full-color imagery overlay. When I was finished being surprised at how cool it was and that the plant would have approved the expense for such a minor project, all I could think was, "These files must be HUGE!" There had to have been tens of millions of points in that model.

Very similar to what most Contractors are doing when contructing large skyscrapers. 3D imaging is done to help plan, place and eliminate conflicts between electric conduits, HVAC, Communications, etc. through out the building. Imagine building a 50 or more story skyscraper with different needs on each floor? 3D is also used to plan floor plan space. Other uses are to make sure the building was built to the design tolerances. Imagine if you are off 1" on one dimension, how that would affect a tall building!

 

[slodat]

I created a modern/digital fabrication thread where I will be cross-posting some stuff from here. The thought is, some may be only interested in the digital fab stuff as well as hoping others with post their digital fab stuff.

Back at it this evening.. The scanner is a little easier to use as I start to understand the process better.



The targets are stuck to inexpensive magnets. Makes the reusable and much easier to remove.



I bought Einscan's "reverse engineering bundle". This adds Geomagic Essentials to the package. It's not super intuitive (to me), yet. I did manage to align the mesh to an origin I can live with. Then, it's imported into Fusion 360.



I traced the outside shape, window crank hole, and arm rest mounting holes. This creates the base panel, as a solid.





I hope this answers some of the questions on how the point cloud/scan/mesh data will be used in this project. The big blank areas in the scan are from where I deleted data I won't use. It reduces the size of the file, number of triangles, etc. This helps Fusion out when working with the mesh.

More to follow.

 

[bugnut]

In my past work with photogrammetrics, cmm -including faro arm and similar equipment, I found that using a 1-2-3 block or something similar for larger work helped improve accuracy of the models and printed materials. I have been out of the field for ~10 years and wonder if the systematic improvements have proved this unnecessary. I enjoy this stuff and find you work fascinating!

 

[slodat]

Whelp… turned 50. It’s good to be alive! A few small updates..

Ordered a 43" LCD for my main shop computer after deliberating quite a bit. This is how it arrived:


That went back. I think I'll stick with the 32" for now. I've been working on CAD stuff when I'm out of town more. Got that setup dialed in. I bought the keyboard because the keyboard on the Dell XPS17 simply doesn't do it for me and causes a lot of undo.



Lastly, a good buddy is building an overland/adventure van. He needed a bolt/doubler plate for his shore power connection. This is straight off the plasma with zero tuning, which I will need to do at some point. Great for this application.



I think it's a reasonable amount of dross.