Storm windows

[Chuck Keysor]

Hello Shopbotters:

I would like to make traditional storm windows for my house using my Shopbot (PRT Alpha 5' x 12' with Columbo spindle). Last fall, I made 5 traditional windows, using "stick and cope" construction. I used simple router bits and my table saw to construct these. I glazed them using glass from old windows people had thrown out in the trash, that I rescued for the glass. The stock I used was southern yellow pine, that was about 1 1/8th inch thick. The picture of one window is attached. But the remaining windows are mostly 5 feet tall by 2 1/2 feet wide. I would make each storm have two panes of glass. Well, by my count, my house needs about 40 more storm windows!

Because making the first 5 was super time consuming, I figured there must be a way to use my Shopbot to help in some way! I used Google and did a search as others have details before, and I found some things on making mortises and tenons, but nothing on storm windows. I have two requests for information, one specific and one broad. Any help you can suggest will be appreciated. Thanks, Chuck

1) I recall a recent post (that I could not find) that showed someone using their shopbot to cut mortises, and they had attached a foot pedal to actuate a single pass through the mortising operation. I only know how to program in Aspire. Can I write a program in Aspire, and then use a foot switch connected to the IO of the control box to start the cutting of a single mortise, then remove the material, load in a new piece, press the switch (foot or otherwise) to cycle again? I would guess some Shopbot code would need to be written to control this, but I have no clue how this is done, or where I learn about it. Comments?

2) Beyond using the Shopbot as a mortising machine as explored in question 1, what are your suggestions on making storm windows on my Shopbot?

Thank you, Chuck

[Bob Eustace]

Hi Chuck - very easy why you cant find it as its buried in Shopbot in Motion.

http://s98.photobucket.com/albums/l249/brianharnett/Modified%20and%20Made%20Machines/?action=view&current=chair.mp4

I too was very taken with what the Hartnetts were doing. A lovely set up!

Bob

[Chuck Keysor]

Thanks Bob. That is the video! So, now how do I get my Shopbot to cycle through the same simple routine and pause, and then repeat with a switch closure?

And I hope to get comments on making storm windows. Thanks, Chuck

[srwtlc]

Chuck, the pause/repeat can be done several ways. Using a PAUSE at the end of the file that you would have to hit 'Enter' to continue and then a GOTO REPEAT after that with REPEAT being placed back at the top of your code. This way isn't very efficient though as you always have to hit enter to continue the loop. This can be read about in the programming handbook.

The other way, and my preferred method for years has been to use a button that is wired in to an input switch (I just used the same as my z zero plate, switch 1) and then place the following code in the file that I want to loop over and over.

This goes at the end of the part file where you want to have the machine wait for a part change...

WAITHERE:
&TEST=%(51) 'Can be 51-58 depending on what switch you use.
IF &TEST=1 THEN GOTO REPEAT
PAUSE .3 'Can change this if desired.
GOTO WAITHERE

And then place REPEAT: at the top of the file or where you want it to loop/repeat to.

When you're done cutting, and the file is in the WAITHERE loop, just hit enter or spacebar and quit.

There's also a new way that only works with the beta version if you can and are willing to run it, but I won't go into it here.

A good non shopbot option is a Domino Joiner (rather costly if only using it for one job though).

If you need help with the above routine, just ask.

[Brian Harnett]

For my file cycle I just copied and pasted the file at ten repetitions. And save as one file after ten I would rerun the file.

I like Scott's solution and will try that on my next run.

[srwtlc]

If you're in a pinch and don't have a momentary switch on hand, you can use your Z zero plate and just ground it each time you want to repeat. Just be sure that you don't inadvertently ground it while changing the part. Keep it anchored and out of the way.

[paul60]

does anyone know what type of pneumatic cylinder is used by Hartnetts?
and where can they be purchase.
thanks paul

[Brian Harnett]

You can get them at www.mscdirect.com/

Or grainger just about any industrial supply company carries them.

The ones on the bot are 2" diameter with a 4" stroke they carry the control valves, Manual or solenoids and fittings also.

[jzarski1]

I got four on eBay for cheap.

John

[Bob Eustace]

Paul, I aggree with John as Ebay is a great place price wise. The stuff usually comes from Hong Kong and is freight free and comes to Oz at least in around a week which is rather amazing! In case you know zilch about this apart from the cylinders you need a four way valve, a regulator to reduce the pressure, air fittings and plastic hose. We have stuck with 8mm tube and fittings and most gear uses 1/8th and 1/4 inch pipe threads. The valve makes the piston go in and out by firstly letting air in then releasing it. Impossible to stuff up I reckon!

The links below are places we have dealt with.

LOWEST COST SQUARE $19.95*32mm Bore 45mm Stroke Double Action Pneumatic Actuator Air Cylinder

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Double-Action-32mm-Bore-30mm-Stroke-Pneumatic-Air-Cylinder-/160893979431?_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSI%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D 18%26pmod%3D330781906485%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D25343 36816863755653#ht_2211wt_997

Pneumatic Component 32mm Bore 75mm Stroke Air Cylinder round type with collar $20

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Pneumatic-Component-32mm-Bore-75mm-Stroke-Air-Cylinder-/300780035274?pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Industrial_ Supply_MRO&hash=item4607e31cca#ht_1909wt_962

1/4 Air Inlet 5 Way 2 Position Plastic Grip Hand Lever Valve $16.08 with vertical handle

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/G-1-4-Air-Inlet-5-Way-2-Position-Plastic-Grip-Hand-Lever-Valve-/160893391785?_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSI%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D 18%26pmod%3D200808430397%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D24544

8mm clear hose 10 metres $17.67 BEST VALUE
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Transparent-8mm-OD-5mm-ID-10M-Pneumatic-PU-Air-Tube-Hose-/160863322869?pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Industrial_ Supply_MRO&hash=item25743382f5#ht_1884wt_997

To find fittings from inside Ebay search for 8mm pneumatic fittings. A zillion will come up! You need 1/8 to 8mm adaptors and probably 3/8 to 8mm adaptor to go to the regulator. $12 will buy you a gadget that gives you vacuum from compressed air which is great for small jigs. A side benefit of having air on the bot is blowing the dust out of collets to extend their life.

Bob

[paul60]

Thanks Bob
i will order the http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Pneumatic...#ht_1909wt_962 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Pneumatic-Component-32mm-Bore-75mm-Stroke-Air-Cylinder-/300780035274?pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Industrial_ Supply_MRO&hash=item4607e31cca#ht_1909wt_962)
and the
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/G-1-4-Air...6clkid%3D24544 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/G-1-4-Air-Inlet-5-Way-2-Position-Plastic-Grip-Hand-Lever-Valve-/160893391785?_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSI%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D 18%26pmod%3D200808430397%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D24544 )

i will be able to obtain the other fitting on the island
thanks for taking to time to explain how everyting works
paul

[Bob Eustace]

Hi Paul

Sorry I didnt link the fittings. Its a nightmare doing long posts in bed on an iPad! The fittings all come even with the teflon tape already on!

5 Pcs 8mm Tube 1/8" Thread Brass Quick Connector Pneumatic Air Fittings CHEAPEST ADAPTORS$1.20 each in lots of 5. The cylinder you have selected uses these.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5-Pcs-8mm-Tube-1-8-Thread-Brass-Quick-Connector-Pneumatic-Air-Fittings-/390459519360?pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Industrial_ Supply_MRO&hash=item5ae9337180#ht_1433wt_854

5 Pcs 8mm Tube 1/4" PT Thread Brass Quick Connector Pneumatic Air Fittings CHEAPEST $6.13 for 5. The valve you have selected uses these 1/4" adaptors.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5-Pcs-8mm-Tube-1-4-PT-Thread-Brass-Quick-Connector-Pneumatic-Air-Fittings-/350593987928?pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Industrial_ Supply_MRO&hash=item51a107b558#ht_1433wt_854

You really dont need a moisture removing regulator and this little guy is cheaper than a pressure gauge - $9,20!!!!

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Air-Control-Compressor-Pressure-Relief-Regulating-Regulator-Valve-AR2000-5-60-C-/270998006634?pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Industrial_ Supply_MRO&hash=item3f18bd6b6a#ht_4505wt_922.

You join the pipes simply by pushing them into the fitting. The good bit for botters though is if you press on the blue ring as well as pull you can remove the hose. This means you can add extra cylinders with tees etc. Brian showed a very simple set up on his post on those fantastic legs he's doing. He just plonked the cylinders in a chunk of angle iron - brilliant! If you angle them slightly you can apply downward pressure as well. If you have employees using this set up its a good move to have to operate two valves to clamp. The square cylinders I linked too are very easy to mount as they have holes on the bottom as well as the ends. I use these instead of toggle clamps as they are oonly a buck dearer and you only need a short stroke. Using tee track in your jigs is rather magic too.

Bob - still in bed on the iPad but its morning now!

[paul60]

Hi bob.
you have mail
paul

[Chuck Keysor]

Hello Scott! Thanks for the clear and detailed answer. It seems simple enough that even I should be able to do this. I apologize for my slow reply. I had INTENDED to test this out before replying, but have gotten caught up in my house painting. So I will report again after I test out the coded pause. And I have some old doorbell buttons sitting around, so I will use one of those to initiate the individual cycles. Again, THANKS!!!! Chuck

[paul60]

Hi Bob
if i went with the square units
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Double-Ac...#ht_2211wt_997
what adaptors will i need for them?
paul

[Bob Eustace]

Hi Bob
if i went with the square units
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Double-Ac...#ht_2211wt_997
what adaptors will i need for them?
paul

Could you check that link please Paul as it wont come up in Oz. please let me know te bore and stroke and the name of te gus ebay store so I can find it that way.

Doing you a piccie on that PM.

Bob

[paul60]

Hi bob try this one
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Double-Action-32mm-Bore-30mm-Stroke-Pneumatic-Air-Cylinder-/160893979431?_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSI%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D 18%26pmod%3D330781906485%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D25343 36816863755653#ht_2211wt_997

[Bob Eustace]

Yes that worked Paul. We have that one in our "collection"! Its 1/8 and the fittings are the link below.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5-Pcs-8mm-Tube-1-8-Thread-Brass-Quick-Connector-Pneumatic-Air-Fittings-/390459519360?pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Industrial_ Supply_MRO&hash=item5ae9337180#ht_1433wt_854

[paul60]

thanks Bob. will go ahead and place order.

[Bob Eustace]

Glad to be of help Paul. I understand why it is confusing as the HK sellers arent specialists and just measure the inlets/outlets mostly in mm and havent a clue about pipe fitting threads and sizes. Anyway here is a rough conversion guide that might help in the future.

1/8 is 9.7mm
1/4 is 13.2mm
3/8 is 15.8mm
1/2 is around 20mm

On air tubing size you can get away with 6mm but by using 8mm you get little pressure drop if you have to run a fair way to the bot. From the compressor to the regulator is best run in at least 1/2 inch to reduce losses particularly if you run other gear.

Despite these little problems its still financially rewarding to buy this gear as the quality from most vendors is tops.

Bob

[paul60]

Hi Bob.
the foll fittings are no longer in stock.
any idea where else i can look for them?
i have place the order for the cylinders and valves

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5-Pcs-8mm-Tube-1-8-Thread-Brass-Quick-Connector-Pneumatic-Air-Fittings-/390459519360?pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Industrial_ Supply_MRO&hash=item5ae9337180#ht_1433wt_854 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5-Pcs-8mm-Tube-1-8-Thread-Brass-Quick-Connector-Pneumatic-Air-Fittings-/390459519360?pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Industrial_ Supply_MRO&hash=item5ae9337180#ht_1433wt_854)


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5-Pcs-8mm-Tube-1-4-PT-Thread-Brass-Quick-Connector-Pneumatic-Air-Fittings-/350593987928?pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Industrial_ Supply_MRO&hash=item51a107b558#ht_1433wt_854
paul

[paul60]

Ok Bob i got hold of them.
paul

[Bob Eustace]

You were right Paul all my usual guys had none! If that ever happens again you just use elbows at about a buck dearer.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/8mm-Tube-Fitting-Pneumatic-Air-Valve-Push-Connectors-Buhum-/300787322187?pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Industrial_ Supply_MRO&hash=item4608524d4b#ht_1774wt_962

Bob

[paul60]

Hi Bob can you tell me what PSI you are using on your 32mm Bore 45mm Stroke Double Action Pneumatic Actuator Air Cylinder
thanks paul

[gerryv]

Hi Paul

Sorry I didnt link the fittings. Its a nightmare doing long posts in bed on an iPad! The fittings all come even with the teflon tape already on!

Bob - still in bed on the iPad but its morning now!

Bob,
I've started using the little microphone next to the space bar for that very reason. Then again, anyone on the pillow next to you may give you a swat and tell you to keep quiet :D

[paul60]

Bob,
I've started using the little microphone next to the space bar for that very reason. Then again, anyone on the pillow next to you may give you a swat and tell you to keep quiet :D


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Double-Action-32mm-Bore-30mm-Stroke-Pneumatic-Air-Cylinder-/160893979431?_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSI%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D 18%26pmod%3D330781906485%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D25343 36816863755653#ht_2211wt_997