PDA

View Full Version : Cutting 1/4" ABS Hints


dttworld
09-05-2012, 10:43 PM
Anyone have hints on cutting 1/4" ABS sheets on the ShopBot - feed rate, RPM, cutter? I've been cutting ABS using a cheap CNC Chinese X3 mill using 12" x 12" precut sheets (2000 max rpm, 30 ipm, 4 flute, 1/4" steel cutter) Eventually want to buy larger sheets and cut parts on the Shopbot. It's for a home robot I've been busy creating:

http://www.instructables.com/files/orig/F6M/BEPD/H6MEVN5L/F6MBEPDH6MEVN5L.jpg

I have a 1 minute contest vid I entered for Instructables here if your interested in seeing it move:

http://www.instructables.com/id/A-Robot-In-Our-Homes/

Thanks,
Danh
Brady Watson
09-05-2012, 11:19 PM
The ShopBot is the right tool for the job. A single spiral-O bit at 13,000 and 2 IPS would be a good place to start. I think once you do it you'll never do it on the mill again.

Don't be afraid to try cutting materials yourself starting at 12-15,000 RPM and 1 to 2 IPS. Note what the material is telling you and dial it in accordingly.

-B
dttworld
09-06-2012, 12:57 PM
The ShopBot is the right tool for the job. A single spiral-O bit at 13,000 and 2 IPS would be a good place to start. I think once you do it you'll never do it on the mill again.

Don't be afraid to try cutting materials yourself starting at 12-15,000 RPM and 1 to 2 IPS. Note what the material is telling you and dial it in accordingly.

-B

Brady

You think I can do 1/4" DOC or go for less?

thanks
Brady Watson
09-06-2012, 02:18 PM
Try it. What's the worst that can happen?

Put your safety goggles on and get down in there and SEE what is happening while it is cutting. The material and machine will tell you what's up if you learn how to listen...

-B
shilala
09-06-2012, 03:03 PM
Cool video of your robot, Danh!!! :)
jerry_stanek
09-06-2012, 04:47 PM
It's a mobile virtual presents device AKA Sheldon Cooper.
jerry_stanek
09-06-2012, 04:48 PM
It's a mobile virtual presents device AKA Sheldon Cooper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bIoeBpSeU4
dttworld
09-06-2012, 05:25 PM
Try it. What's the worst that can happen?

Put your safety goggles on and get down in there and SEE what is happening while it is cutting. The material and machine will tell you what's up if you learn how to listen...

-B

True. I'll start with 1/8" first then 1/4" if the first is successful.
dttworld
09-06-2012, 05:27 PM
Cool video of your robot, Danh!!! :)

Thanks. It looks like an erector set so I need to find a way to dress things up. Maybe some vaccuum form molds made on the Shopbot.
dttworld
09-06-2012, 05:30 PM
It's a mobile virtual presents device AKA Sheldon Cooper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bIoeBpSeU4

That bot is called the Texai and is made by a company started by one of the original Google search engine coders. Company is www.willowgarage.com

They'll sell you a 2 armed robot called the PR2 for $400k! This is my attempt at a poor mans version.