CNC machining projects

[Chuck Nukem]

So my job is in the machining world and occasionally I get to make fun stuff at work. Here is my latest foray, a motor mount for a shifter kart. Anybody else out there do machine work?

[andy harwood]

Chuck, got to say - house remodeler, pickup truck restorer, machinist, you are the man. Except maybe for that pesky Europa addiction, that is.
Very nice work! CNC milling is very interesting. Do you use Mach3? I've been looking at some youtube vids of that program. Please keep posting photos of your work.
I purchased a benchtop mill and a small lathe recently. Don't know anything about either, but am attempting to learn.
Sir, prepare yourself for newbie questions!!

[Chuck Nukem]

Andy you are too kind, I still have a lot to learn and a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing as they say... I designed the part in autodesk inventor, and used feature cam to do the toolpaths. The makerspace in Dallas has the software on an educational license and members are able to login and use them. I am very fortunate that they have a Haas vf2, it has been a great machine to learn on. I have not personally used mach 3, but I know someone who has run it. Post some pics of your set up!

Those pesky Europas will get straightened out one day...

[andy harwood]

Chuck,
Here's a couple of photos of my 'toys'. Hopefully, I'll be able to put them to practical use.
The mill has 9.5X40 table, 3 axis DRO, powerfeed & powered head and downfeed.
I've managed to do a couple small things with it.
The lathe is a 9X24 Taiwan mfg with powered feeds. It has been setting for 20 or so years, so in process of cleaning it.

[Chuck Nukem]

Nice!! It takes commitment to get a set up like that going. One day I would like to have an at home shop too. You have any lotus parts in the works??

[andy harwood]

Only project so far, just a couple rear disk brake caliper brackets. Would like to make some brake brackets in aluminum, will have to wait until later in the year.
Commitment? Committed for sure. You should see the rest of the shop - cluttered, is putting in nicely.

[Chuck Nukem]

What is clutter? I've never heard of that tool...

Post some pics of those rear disc brackets!

[4129R]

So glad to see it is not just me with multiple toys.

Her indoors thinks I am barking mad taking on basket cases and restoring them.

I treat it as a challenge that gets easier with experience.

Alex in Norfolk.

[E Paul]

I have a Patriot CNC that I use with Mach 3. Mostly is for work type stuff, but I have done some of the parts on my Seven with it.

[andy harwood]

E Paul, just looked up the patriot system. Very nice! When I get some milling basics learned, I'd like to look into learning some about cnc.
The Makerspace in Dallas you refer to may help pull us to Ft. Worth later this year, lol. Sounds like such a useful resource to have near.
A few pics of the brackets attached. They are simple, but I think they will work.  The circle function on the DRO makes laying out the bolt holes a piece of cake. Think I'll get a  rotary table, being able to put a radius on the parts would be nice.

[Chuck Nukem]

Nice! Always glad to have another Lotus guy around. Funny story but there is actually another Europa owner at the space. Get this; we both have long hair, we have the same name, our cars are both twin cams, and they are the same color! How is that for odds?! For a doppelganger he just happens to be 30 years older than myself and quite a bit bigger.

Def hit me up when you pass through.

What sort of brakes did you run in the rear?

[BDA]

Chuck, there's something creepy about that situation. You should either do whatever you feel it is telling you or run like hell! 

quote]... but I think they will work.[/quote]

Not the sort of comment that would calm Mrs. BDA!

[andy harwood]

Guess that was directed at my comment BDA?
Prolly should have used 'fit' instead of 'work'.
But, I'll stick with 'work' since the brackets are a unknown.
I did follow the modification others have done. I think at one point someone was selling a kit with brackets
constructed of the same steel.
I've not read of any the conversions brackets failing. Maybe I should hit the knowledge base again.
If you have a suggestion, I'm open to ideas!

[BDA]

Yes. I hope they fit and work! My comment was something my wife and I go round and round on. I'll put something together and say "I think that will hold up!" And she'll be all over me that I better be sure! I didn't mean to cast aspersions on your bracket.

[andy harwood]

Thanks, BDA.
I had reservations welding the brackets, as they are a rather critical part.
My only means of testing the brackets is the "hey y'all, watch this" method.
Saw your comment this morning, and thought I made a very obvious mistake
in the brackets construction.
andy