I have been doing a lot of CAD/CAM work on the next tool, so not a lot to show...
I cut and finished blocks to length, and started working out the cutting and decided to start doing some more extensive software setup. The goal being to be able to pick a drill size in BobCAD, and have it generate the correct speed (rpm) and feedrate (inches per minute or inches per revolution) to get a nice clean, smooth hole. This is easy to do with a regular drill or drill press where you can "feel" the cut and watch the chips, but it is much more sophisticated to be able to click on "START CYCLE" and have the machine run the whole drill cycle.
The tables in books are only an estimate, you have to try it and see how it works under YOUR conditions and adjust the software accordingly. While I was working on that, the spindle decided not to start. When I opened the door to the inside of the machine I found the main electrical contactor (big relay) for the spindle had come apart (worse than in the picture) ! It was easy enough to snap it back together and get it working, but this is not a good component to come apart.
I Emailed the manufacturer Tormach and the tech reported that contactors should not "spontaneously dis-member" and got one out to me right away under warranty - less than an hour from my first Email. They have been an excellent company to deal with and I am glad I bought their product.
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