I own a small home based shop with basic equipment (small lathe, tabletop mill, band saw, etc). I will be CNC retrofitting the mill over the next four months and I would buy more equipment if I could justify its need. It has always been a hobby. I have worked in a job shop for about six years as a machinist. The last four years I have been working as a nuclear instrumentation scientist. I have a B.S. in physics and I enjoy designing and constructing laboratory instrumentation. I would like to see if I could start working at home as a scientific instrument maker. I have a small electronics lab at home also. I was wondering if I could find somebody in East Tennessee that could provide some guidance on the business aspects of this or how to contact people that would be interested in this type of service. Also if someone else has a small shop in my area and would like to join forces please let me know.

Let me guess you are in the Oak Ridge area? I am in Athens Tn. I have a small homeshop with a 39x25 cnc router/plasma table

I live about two hours east of Oak Ridge.

Where are you in relationship to Nashville and/or Murfreesboro.. any idea?

Eddie

I am four hours east of Nashville and eight minutes from the North Carolina state line.

Hey Fellow Tennesseans,
Im in Chattanooga and Im collecting parts for a CNC wood router. If anyone else is in the area (within 100 miles) and wants to confer on CNC projects I would love to hear from you. Home phone: 423-886-9455.
Thanks,
Don Brookshire
Signal Mountain, Tennessee

Hi Don I am only about 50 miles east of you. Welcome to the zone. If I can be of any help to you feel free to call on me. Altho I did not build my router you are more than welcome to visit me and look it over and kick the tires so to speak. I have a K2CNC 39x25 and mostly do photo carvings. you can look in the members section for pictures.
PM me for contact information

I think you posted the wrong phone number I called and man said wrong number.

I am also in Athens TN.
I have build my own CNC Router in my garage. Go to the "Photo Gallery" under "DW61" to see photo's. I looked at the K2CNC machine before I build my machine.

nice router Have you made anything with it yet? what cad/cam you using?

I have made some Xmas ornaments the last 2 years. I had a great time putting the router together and getting it to work. I am using AutoCAD and a old ver. of E-Z mill.

Hello folks.

I'm in Knoxville, with a home-based wood shop of sorts (purely hobby), currently building a cnc router table. I could use a bit of help with the following if one of you guys has the knowledge/expertise/inclination to point me in the right direction:

I have been playing with and intend to use Mach 3. I’ll probably use servos attached to Gecko 320s.

My question relates to connecting a couple of items that are really meant to be connected to PLCs. I want to mount a Vorne 2180 Panel Message Display http://www.vorne.com/message-displays-2100ser.htm to my table, and program it to display machine and work coordinates, as well as other data; and I’d like to mount a programmable touch screen like the Matsu****a GT10 http://www.nais-e.com/plc/uacs/plc_dl_manual.html#Anchor_pot . I also have an IEE VIP 3902 operator interface terminal http://ieeinc.com/?q=node/60&PHPSESSID=6a23d539b9d282cb5e9094439877bd43 .

Anyone here tell me if I can interface to Mach using one or more of these devices, or am I dreaming?

Bill

Wow!!, and I thought I was alone in TN.

I live in Briceville, TN (about 30 minutes north of Knoxville/Oakridge).

How about we Tennesseans start a "E. TN machine club"?? (or just TN).

bdillard: I have extensive experience with Mach 3 (both mill and lathe), I am familiar with how to hook up, program and run DL05's and DL06's, through the mod-bus.
I can also help you hook up your Gecko's 320. I have a 5 axis Mill, and 2 Axis lathe. (see pics of my set up under "PoppaBear10's" pics, or look under the Shoptask thread. I have a 3 in 1 that I converted to CNC control, and have added a "4th" and 4th/5th axis trunion table. I can help you build your control cabnet, and tune your Mach set up for your machine.

I am a Hobbie machine shop and BATF NFA and SOT manufacture, (do other part prototyping as well. If you need someone to help you make some parts, I would be glad to help if you need some stuff made for your machine).

CAD: I use Rhino, OneCNC, Turbocad, (limited exp with Autocad, and solid works mostly file manipulation to get it to import correctly into my OneCNC).

CAM: I use OneCNC XR2 Mill Expert (with 4/5th), and OneCNC XR lathe Pro.

About the equipment you asked above, if you know the protocols that they use to communicate, and those protocols are compatible with Modbus, PLC's, or can be addressed with IO from a VB script. We may be able to do what you want.

If you, and the others on this thread are interested in starting up a "club", or just meeting at some point to learn from each other let me know.

you can give me a ring at: 865-426-9728 after 7pm weekdays, or on weekends.

If you need sheet metal work, I can bend/break/cut upto 18ga, that is less than 40" too.

If you are going to the 2cd annual CNC workshop, I will be giving a class on the use of OneCNC Mill and Lathe.

Scott

where is the 2nd annual CNC workshop? and what date is it on?

look at the "trade shows" thread above this one on the main forum page.

Hello Scott,

That's a nice reply, and frankly I can't wait to meet you. I think a local network of some kind is a great idea. Unfortunately, I cannot contribute a helluvalot when it comes to cnc or machining beyond an eagerness to learn. But if you want to learn wood turning, or need some nice kitchen cabinets or built-ins, I'm your guy.

I do, in fact, need a couple of parts made to complete my system, and it would be great to have an experienced resource available when setting up the Geckos and tuning the motors.

I'll try to contact you via telephone this weekend via telephone.

Bill

Hello guys I'm also a Tennesseen.Nice to know there a few of us here.I'm in middle TN about 20 miles from Cookville so we are all farely close to one another.

bdillard,

Ok, sounds good, (I am not some kind of guru, but do have several years of experience building/doing).

S.

How about it guys (in TN), would ya'll be interested in starting a TN Chapter of Machine builders???

Perhaps we could meet quarterly or every other month.

I am close to Knoxville, TN and one other guy from this board has called me to discuss things.
Perhaps we could meet at a central location, OR, perhaps have state region chapters i.e. East TN, Middle, West...etc. and then have some kind of Bi-annual full state meeting at someones large shop or other meeting place.

Also if any of you are going to the 2cd annual Work shop, please look me up, I will be giving 2 classes on using OneCNC CAD/CAM.

Scott

Would you let a guy from north Alabama in? (Florence) I am currently building a plasma table, thread is on here. (4 x 8 plasma table plans). Table is built, table is wired, now the fun part of setting the software and calibrating it all. May need bounce thoughts off of somebody. Using Mach 3 with Gecko Drives and a Cambell designs THC.

Andrew

OF COURSE YOUR WELCOME!!

I can help with the calibrating of your motors, with Mach 3 and doing all the control panel/wiring software stuff... I can help with your BB boards.

BUT........ Don't know squat about the THC stuff, have never used it, but have a desire to build one of those next....

perhaps we could swap info and help.

scott

Well, I am interested in joining in, but not sure about being able to make any meetings.. ESPECIALLY with current gas prices, but willing to try...

Eddie

(South-Central Tenn.)

How about it guys (in TN), would ya'll be interested in starting a TN Chapter of Machine builders???

Perhaps we could meet quarterly or every other month.

I am close to Knoxville, TN and one other guy from this board has called me to discuss things.
Perhaps we could meet at a central location, OR, perhaps have state region chapters i.e. East TN, Middle, West...etc. and then have some kind of Bi-annual full state meeting at someones large shop or other meeting place.

Also if any of you are going to the 2cd annual Work shop, please look me up, I will be giving 2 classes on using OneCNC CAD/CAM.

Scott

For PoppaBear10

How do you like your OneCNC XR. We are moving our Machine Shop Business to West TN (Trenton) and are moving to get a HURCO VMX and maybe a KIA Lathe (VDI & Sub Spindle). Was it easy to use from the first or steep learning curve. Until now we have been mostly prototype on manual machines but will move our manufacturing to in-house.

Frank

Frank,

I am so sorry for my late reply, I have been out of pocket on vacation for a while...

Yes, the OneCNC is VERY easy, and works right out of the box, you can be making parts in about 1-4 hours depending on how much CAD/Cam experience you have.

If you like, I could demo the software for you, at your shop, and even run the parts for you, so you could see for your self first hand......Talk is REAL cheap in my book.

Call me if you have questions: 1865-426-9728

scott

Hi Scott

No problem I didn't know how often folks drop by here to get their messages. I had an online demo by the folks in Tampa and I was impressed. Do you work for them? Right now I am using Turbo CAD 11 Pro and have used Turbo CAD since version 3. Recently they offered Version 12 Pro with CAM built in, which I thought was interesting. This is our website: http://home.cfl.rr.com/mitty/Firstpage.htm so you can see what we manufacture. I wanted to get something simple to learn and use as we intend to hire some High School or VoTech students so they can get their hands dirty doing actual work instead of making shop toys. Part of our program will be to help them learn real world skills so they can them go on to work for another Manufacturer or maybe stay on with us. There aren't too many Intern or Apprentise programs anymore so we are trying to bring it back in our little part of the world called Tennessee.

As soon as we get delivery of our New CNC Machines, I'll call you to setup a date for you to come by and visit, and of course make chips.

Frank,

I am so sorry for my late reply, I have been out of pocket on vacation for a while...

Yes, the OneCNC is VERY easy, and works right out of the box, you can be making parts in about 1-4 hours depending on how much CAD/Cam experience you have.

If you like, I could demo the software for you, at your shop, and even run the parts for you, so you could see for your self first hand......Talk is REAL cheap in my book.

Call me if you have questions: 1865-426-9728

scott

Hey Frank,

Again sorry to get back to you so late. I build custom machine tools, assembly lines, industrial controls, and automated assembly lines as a side line buizness.
I just came back from Sharon, Penn where I built a guy a CNC beam saw, and retrofitted a 3 head gantry router. I don't work for OneCNC just a very pleased customer. I looked at your product, and as a side note if you would like me to make you a computer controlled tracking head for that telescope mount, let me know.....hehehe

Let me know if you want me to come out and show you whats, what. If the kids you get can work Microsoft word, then they can work OneCNC it is a very simular working enviroment, lots of wizards. I too used TurboCad last version was 10.x, I then went to Rhino, still use it and OneCNC.

Scott

Located in Spring City TN, just West of Sweetwater.

I'm just getting started. I've got stepper motors, control board, dedicate PC, power supply, Harbor Freights 44991 mill, Ron Steele's kit to marry the motors to the mill. None of this is put together, so it's time to make it happen.

I have Mach3, but haven't moved it to the dedicated PC (still playing around with it). Also, I've been doing CAD since 1988 with various pieces of software.

Any help to keep from breaking something would be appreciated. I'm willing to travel somewhat to see your setup and get to know someone else in the hobby!

Just let me know....

Hey Vogavt,

Your real close to me, I sometime work in Sweetwater on friday mornings. But, if you want, I can come over and give a "How to" on it all, and/or you can come see my set up. If you want, I will also help you set up your machine, and give you a "Class" on mach if you need.

scott

Well you 2 We need to meet up I am in Niota sort of between 75 and 68 I work in Athens at the Farmers CO-OP I do the maintenance for Athens, Decatur, Loudon, and newly acquired Rone county. I am in the process of ordering a cnc laser from China. I had a K2cnc 39x25 I got tired of it and sold it to a guy in Louisiana. Now I have the itch again so I decided I would try a laser. If any of you 2 want to meet I am off most Friday afternoons.

Check out my photo section.

WOW, So many PPL so close to home. I am In Athens, Tn Also. I have been working on my Router for a few weeks now. Also toying around with mach2 and KCam. Id be willing to pay for someone to give me a hand at the software aspect. I have a CNC HotWire Foam cutter for My planes. Would be great to all get together and share Ideas. Ill post some Pics also. My Phone Number is 423-744-0723. By the way, Who ever left their HobbyCNC router plans in the Athens lowes, I Found them by the ROTO tools. I left them at the service desk. LOL.
Have a great Day
Steve

Nice work there Steve

Check out my photo section.

You're up waaay to early in the morning! For myself, well I couldn't sleep. LOL!

Impressive photos!

Hey Vogart, Aksess, Planekrazie

Lets all meet, I had put up earlier about making a TN chapter machines builders club, but only had a few responses.

I can contribute, how to set up and use Mach, as well as the wiring/setup of your control cabnets. Old hand at both.

Lets set up a Saterday, or Sunday to meet, in a location that we could all talk, if your machines are small enough you can bring them and I will help you set up the Mach and control stuff.

scott

Any idea as to a place? Somewhere around Sweetwater would be beneficial to most of us. Flea market? lol (group)

Well as to the place, that would depend if you want to spend money (i.e. rent a "meeting room", at a hotel). OR, a free meet like someone garage that is large enough, and within some type of central range for all concerened.
(unless you want to see my set up, since I am not gonna cart around machines that wiegh a few tons).

BUT, still gotta do a Saterday prefably, or Sunday, since the weekdays (with the sometimes exception of Friday afternoons, very rare).

scott

I think Sunday afternoon would be best for most. Maybe a casual meeting at a local restaurant then discuss further meeting places. To bad Sweetwater has no decent restaurants. Maby meet at the pizza hut? Throw in your ideas

Sweetwater has much of nothing lol. Just A piggly Wiggly where I once was a asst Mgr. Boy did that suck. LOL. Pizza hut sounds good or even the Gondalear ( cant spell :p ) Good to meet all.
Steve

Yea, Pizza hut is good for me to in sweetwater,

Lets pic a date, (prefable not the 1 weekend in the month, since I am in the gaurd).

scott

I am interested in the meeting also, would be great to share ideas and have a actual body to bounce ideas off of. I am in Florence, AL.

Andrew

Here is a better idea I personally know the people that own Athens Diner I can have the meeting room saved for us ! They are Greek and know how to cook. How is this Sunday at around 3:00 pm est I spoke with Nick the owner and he said the more the merrier! The diner is located beside Holston Gases right off Highway 11, 2 miles off I-75 Exit #52 (Mt Verd) South go Left 2 miles to red light turn right onto highway 11 resturant is on the left. Exit #52 (Mt Verd Exit) North go right 2 miles to red light turn right onto highway 11 resturant is on the left.

Any thoughts let me know.Anyone wanting to visit is welcome. I do not have a cnc router anymore but I can halp with photocarving! "cant wait for the laser"

Hey Guys,

East Tennessee here also. I am CNC Programmer/Machinist. I have been programming for the past eight years using G&M code. For the past three years I have been using Solidworks and MasterCam to generate G&M code for Fadal, Haas, and Daewoo machines. Unfortunately, within the past week, I was forced to leave the facility that I was working in. My new employer is using Mazatrol Fusion 640M and Mazatrol T plus. (not sure if the nomenclature of these controls is 100% correct but it's close) My primary desire is to change the format of the machines to G&M code so that I could return to Solidworks and MasterCam. Will the machines function using G&M code the same as they would using Mazatrol or should I stop fighting the beasts and learn to program Mazatrol style? If Mazatrol is my best option could someone please give me a contact for help! I have been a machinist for 18 years and have never felt so lost! I will learn to machine high quality parts on these machines one way or the other!

Thanks:
Patrick

Aksess, (and others),

Is there any way you could make it the weekend after the 5/6th, I am unable to get away then, if possible could we do it on a Saterday?
That place you listed sounds good, can you give a street address to it, so I can GPS it with the old streets/and maps program?

Scott

Now you are speaking My language. Athens Diner has the best steak and Flowering onion around :banana: I am up for it.
Steve


Here is a better idea I personally know the people that own Athens Diner I can have the meeting room saved for us ! They are Greek and know how to cook. How is this Sunday at around 3:00 pm est I spoke with Nick the owner and he said the more the merrier! The diner is located beside Holston Gases right off Highway 11, 2 miles off I-75 Exit #52 (Mt Verd) South go Left 2 miles to red light turn right onto highway 11 resturant is on the left. Exit #52 (Mt Verd Exit) North go right 2 miles to red light turn right onto highway 11 resturant is on the left.

Any thoughts let me know.Anyone wanting to visit is welcome. I do not have a cnc router anymore but I can halp with photocarving! "cant wait for the laser"

Those that can make it come this Sunday, Those that cant we will make another meeting to accommodate those. PoppaBear just post a date you would like and I will call the diner and set it up with them. Saturdays around 3-4 will be good as well :wave: address is 925 N Congress Pkwy.

Hey Poppabear,
Don't Forget Me. I Can't Take My Machines But I Could Keep You Company On The Way Down. Lol. Like I Said, May Not Be Much Help, But The Intrest Is High And Willingness To Learn Is Also High. Sent A Couple Of E-mails To Your Internet Address. Don't Know If You Got Them Or Not. If You Didn't, Give Me A Call Or Come By Before Friday. 8-4-06

What Time is a good time sunday?

Those that can make it come this Sunday, Those that cant we will make another meeting to accommodate those. PoppaBear just post a date you would like and I will call the diner and set it up with them. Saturdays around 3-4 will be good as well :wave: address is 925 N Congress Pkwy.

Lets say 3:00 pm make it a late lunch.

Those that can make it come this Sunday, Those that cant we will make another meeting to accommodate those. PoppaBear just post a date you would like and I will call the diner and set it up with them. Saturdays around 3-4 will be good as well :wave: address is 925 N Congress Pkwy.

well let me say lets meet next saterday around 3-4 pm, 12Aug06.

scott

I will prob be out of town next weekend In Nashville picking my laser up. And I work half a day Saturday anyway. Maby someday we can make some arangments.

Prior to the meeting, I would like to suggest we each find the time to put together a list of equip/machines and a list of software we use (or are familiar with). Phone numbers, email address, etc.

Print a few copies out and have them available for the first meeting. Yes, we can talk about it at the meeting as well, but it would probably be handy to have something to go home with and look at for reference later.

I plan to bring my digital camera and laptop!

Can we get a preliminary poll of who all intends to be present?

Does anyone need directions? I plan on coming down Mt. Verd Road to avoid all the traffic on Congress Parkway.

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=925+Congress+Pkwy+N,+Athens,+TN&ie=UTF8&ll=35.478076,-84.594383&spn=0.063325,0.135269&om=1

Looking forward to meeting you all.

.

Who can make it this Sunday at 3:00 in the Athens Diner? If not many we can reschedule another day. Sunday around that time would be best then we could have almost the whole restaurant to ourselves! Saturdays are pretty crowded there.

Here are some forms in pdf format to fill out about yourself and your setup. This way the information may be standardized. Please fill free to use.


Example (http://users.volstate.net/~smarston/ETCE-Vogavt.pdf)

Blank (http://users.volstate.net/~smarston/ETCE-Blank.pdf)

You can print these and bring them along.

Please let me know if you can or cannot fill in the fields. Thanks!

Steven

Also, any feedback would be appreciated!

Looks Like I will not be able to make it Tomorrow as I have to be here at work. Large Inspection Monday. I have got to get everything ready for it.
Sorry,
Steve

How is next Sunday for everyone? 8-13-06 at 3:00

Vogart I can help you with learning to weld. I have welded for the past 20 sompthing years, Mig, Tig, Stick, and oxy cetaliene. Mig welding is probibly the easiest to learn of them all.

I am going to see if the Gaurd Drill will let me out early on Sunday, I will try to get down there by somewhere between 3 adn 4 if they let me out

scott

Can't make it on Aug 11-13. Have plans from two months ago for the weekend. Would love to make it, but just can't. :violin:

@Aksess - Now that's what I'm talkin' about! :banana:

Somebody take pictures! (group)


Did anyone look at the pdf's I created? I just want to make sure the fields can be completed. My Adobe version is a full version. I don't have a test non-full version to check it with. For those of you that only have the free download version, I'd like someone to verify they can complete the fields.

Thanks,

Steven

Vogavt,

Yes, you can complete the fields, only critique I would have would be, to add more potential lines at the bottom for further comments, (it cuts you off), and make some of the fill in lines longer or have them roll a line down for longer responses. Lastly perhaps a secondary page/form if for example you have 2 or more machines to discuss.

not griping at all but just a few observations,

Aksess:


Can you give me a call to my cell phone and let me know for sure, oneway or another that we will be meeting tomorrow: 865-803-2621

scott

not griping at all but just a few observations

Hey, no problem. That's exactly the feed back I was looking for.

Yeah, I thought about a second machine but had to start somewhere.

Also, played with idea of two pages, but stopped for the same reason.

Willing to make any changes that fits our overall needs/requests.

Keep the comments coming!

I won't be able to get the changes made before the meeting tomorrow. Layout takes a bit of time with this sort of form. If there turns out to be no meeting tomorrow, then I can probably make other's request happen before it actually does occur.

Hey it was good to finally meet all of you guys, to bad more didn't show.

So what is our little group called now: ETMC (East TN Machine Club)?

at any rate, per our discussions:

If ya'll would like, I will put on a "How to use Mach3" class, including how to set up your machine, tune it, and other fuctions of Mach including how to interface it all to a machine. I can further give (another class), on how to design and build your control cabnet. and perhaps another class later on more advanced topics of: How to interface a PLC (including PLC programming), to Mach 3 using Modbus, and VB script Macros....

Let me know if ya'll might be interested, if so, then we need to pick a place that we can set up our computers, (and if small enough bring your machines), and we can get them moving and working on site.

Further: If you need classes on CAD, and CAM (upto 5 axis mill, and 2 axis lathe), and how to go about getting that to your machine to make parts I can go there for you to.

I consider the past 1st meeting an initial meet and greet, but, it would be good to start a actual "Club", with a meeting squedual, meeting times and lengths as well as topics of interest that we can teach on, or be taught on, depending on member ship interest.

scott

ETMS sounds good. Hey I got my machine and fried it already. I believe the laser tube was damaged in shipping and shorted out the laser power supply :(

Anyway I hope to have it running by the weekend if china gets me the parts.

I will check on the casters this week sometime. I did not froget :)

I have pictures of the melt down here http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14100&page=14&pp=15

when the next meeting ?

Hey Guys,

My primary desire is to change the format of the machines to G&M code so that I could return to Solidworks and MasterCam. Will the machines function using G&M code the same as they would using Mazatrol or should I stop fighting the beasts and learn to program Mazatrol style? If Mazatrol is my best option could someone please give me a contact for help!
Thanks:
Patrick

Patrick,

The machines should run G/M code just fine. For the most part they will run just like a Fanuc control. However for 2D work I would say to learn Mazatrol for your companies sake. It is easy and fast input. Just remeber what the Maxtrol really is. A fancy G/M code interface for easy user input.

I do the 3D programming for a couple of Mazaks here and the others in the shop do the 2D. Mazak should have supplied books with the machines (not the best though for self learning). However you should be able to get help from them if you need any cabling info or parameter settings for drip feed (tape on the older controls work like the drip feed).

Tim

Hi guys, Sorry I missed the meeting. I am in the middle of moving and Working 7 days a week does not help. Could It be time to look for a new job? LOL Oh well. Hey Aksess, Sorry about the laser trouble. Looks like China is gonna make it good huh. Well thats good. Another thing. I need someone local here in athens to move a 10' x 16' x 14' tall Building. I wonder who could do it? Not sure what the cost would be but I am willing to pay 250+ to move it about 13 miles.
Ill chat at ya later. By the way. New phone Number 423-745-1128.
Maby I can make it to the next meeting.
Steve

You may have a problem with moving that building. I am a certified DOT truck inspector and the legal height limit without permits is 13'6" overall And the with is 8'6" overall.

You can call Cokers Millwrights they move large loads and have several cranes.

If it was a little shorter I could move it with my dump truck and lowboy.

Getting it moved in the morning. Only $200.00 Not bad :cheers:
Have a great night. Yup I am stuck at work the whole weekend Again. :boxing:
Steve

Hey you guys in N. GA, that emailed me about your router table, you are more than welcome to come up. If you need some phone support on getting your Mach/router table up, email me at: poppabear@hughes.net

I will give you a walk through on get your machine moving, and how to get your motors tuned.

If it is small enough to load on a truck, you can bring it up, and I will give you some hands on training on Mach, and get your machine working.

scott

Hey Guys,
Been moving and finaly done. When would be a good time for all of us to get together. I am about done with my router. Looking for some 1/2 x 10 backlash nuts.
Steve

Hey how about a September meeting of the: ETCE (cnc machine builders club)??

Anybody up for a get together and start doing some info swapping/classes/networking etc??

scott

I am if I had a machine Name the place and time. the 16'th or 30'th would be good for me.

I could make the 30th.

I could do 30Sept06 as well, Can't do Sunday's since I have Church.

But before we do this, lets settle on some topics to discuss.

I am willing to teach some Mach stuff from basic how to set up your machine and get it running, to more advanced stuff like Mod-bus to PLC communications and control, along with some VB macro work. I can teach screen designer as well. Also how to build your control cabnet/power supply etc. On the PLC side, I can teach Ladder Logic programming and some Stage programming..... and finally CAD/CAM and DNC wired and wireless networks.

Here are some things I would like to learn: Welding (mig, stick), Plazma cutting, Hand Scraping, Hydrolic's therory and application. Inovative work holding solutions that the Home Machinist can build/afford...

Also, I think we all have areas of experience that we could share/teach to others. Please list your areas you would be willing to give a class in, then perhaps we could set up a Agenda of "Club" meetings, times/places were we could all meet up, and take the classes we are interested in, or just hob-knob.


scott

Well, is the 30sept meeting gonna be on or off?? No one has replied to the above post.............nor said anything about topics of interest......

What time are we looking at. My crazy job has us working 7 days a week. I am on the 3 to 11 shift.
Steve

Hey Guys,
I thought I ask a few questions here. I am having a hard time understanding Mach3. When I take a dfx file and load it into the lazy cam it shows the file like the origional. But, When I convert it to a .tap file it cuts out alot of parts. Aksess, If you are around, I am off work tomorrow ( thursday ) Give me a call at 745-1128
Thanks guys steve

JHWatts....aren't you the guy with the wood working shop that has built his own CNC router?

JHWatts....nevermind...mistaken identity.... LMwatts.com under engineering for someone who has build an elegant CNC router for use in a commercial environment.

Well I guess this thread has died huh? I am off the next two days if anyone wants to get together..
Later steve

Well, I would say it died, it just no really seamed committed to actually show up on a set date. I did ask, even offered to teach several subjects............
No one appears willing to actually MAKE the time to meet, nor offer any subject to discuss that they would like to teach etc.
The only day I can't really do is Sunday, also I am in the Guard so those weekends are also out. Every once in a while I have to travel somewhere to do a Machine retrofit or CNC machine repair obviously can't do those when they come up, they are rare but do happen.

I was looking at the "Pin Locations", of where we all are in the US, there are a suprizing number within 100-200 or so mile radius of Knoxville, somewhat less if you just keep that number to only East TN.

Perhaps we should just make the meeting quarterly??? And post the event well in advance so adjustments could be made to accomodate the broadest range of participants. I noted there where even a few guys from GA., and NC that wanted to show up. I don't see a problem with that even though they are "Not-from-round-here".....hehehe

I don't mind meeting up with people of a like mind, but If we are gonna meet, I think we should have something worth while to discuss. Other wise jack-jawing about this and that is just a waste of time.

scott

And a Happy New Year as well.

I hope everyone had a good Christmas and has a good New Year! If anyone hears of a pretty good milling machine give me a hollar. I am looking for a bench top square column mill with power feed. I do not like the looks of the x3 I am on a budget of around $1500 total. I just bought a 13x40 enco lathe and love it. I have build a phase converter so it does not matter what phase it is. I dont really want a full size bridgeport maby sompthing a little smaller. And a definate no to a round column. I concidered a Taig but it will not be verry good at cutting metal parts. Well again if youall hear of anything hollar at me ok.

I just stumbled onto this thread and find that several of you are in my back yard. I also live in Athens TN. Although I am not a router guy, I do have a small business and have a couple CNC mills. To make a living I build Investment Casting molds. But after hours I enjoy my trade as a hobby and always have some project in the making. I don't know anything about building routers but I do know CNC machining. If any of you local guys want to know more contact me through this site.

Scott

-

I have worked as a CNC programer for over 20 years, and now I am working as a Engineer. Only after I stopped using CNC machines did I build my own CNC machine to play with. Leehound Where do you work at?

-

-

I have worked as a CNC programer for over 20 years, and now I am working as a Engineer. Only after I stopped using CNC machines did I build my own CNC machine to play with. Leehound Where do you work at?

-

My business is SJC Tool & Engineering. You probably never heard of me in the area. I don't do any local work and I work out of a building behind my house. When I get visiters, they are very surprised by what we do. My phone number is in the white pages for Athens listed as "SJC Inc". If you ever have some time to kill, stop in.

Scott

Hey guys, Welcome. Me and Aksess live in Athens. I built my cnc router and foam cutter for rc planes and other stuff to toy around with. Pm me your phone number and Ill give ya a shout.
Later Steve Marsh

Yea right Steve like when do you have time to call anyone working 7 days a week.(wedge)

Welcome to the zone Scott take a look at some of my work here in the photo gallery. Steve has some nice stuff as well "thanks to me" lol :stickpoke just kidding he did a really nice job of the foam airplane. Lets do a lunch this weekend, sort of a meet and greet!

Hey Steve I got my power feed installed on my mill tonight. Now to start making one of those hit and miss engines. HEY maby we can install it on one of your planes!

Hey if you guys are going to meet this weekend, mind if I drop by as well??

Hadn't talked to any of you since the last time we met.

Scott

You are right. My WEEKneverEnds. I wish I had a weekend. Everyone quit eating anything with a breader or spice in it so I can take a few days off. LOL. Aksess I was gonna call you tonight to see if you could lathe out a motor mount for me. I have some aluminum round stock. about 1" dia.
What I need is a little over 3 MIL ID and 4 MIL OD. and about 1 inch long which I can cut with a hacksaw. Its for a tube motor mount for my planes. Ill give ya a shout tomorrow about 5:30 or so. Here is a picture of what I am talking about. Let me know what ya think.
Later Steve

Shure no problem as a mater of fact I have a lot of aluminum round stock anyway.

Hey PappaBear you do not even half to ask. If you like bull**** sessions feel free same place. Athens Diner I would like to discuss convirting my rong fu 31 mill to cnc. I installed a powerfeed last night and that was like night and day.

Hey Steve can you make it this Saturday around 1:00? I forgot what time you leave for work.

I took off this weekend. So I should be able to make it.
Can you believe I took 3 days.. I am not gonna know how to act.
Steve

Steve bring your measurments and I can make your part Saturday evening. or Better yet let you make it! whyle me and pappabear watch. You can see my pull start electric motor. :)

How is this Saturday at 1:30 pm at Athens Diner for everyone?

Well I guess Saturday is out since no one responded.

Hey Steve we can still make your part if you want to. I will try to set the tram on my mill tomorrow.

I have some 70/75 aluminum if you want to use it.

Shouldnt u be asleep? LOL Sounds great
Steve

Gee I had a great time today with you guys! Man good eating and good fellowship is what it is all about. I guess it was around 2:30 before I left.


Steve I am glad we could get your part made to perfection as well.(chair) I thought you said you were going to be off and could make it?

I am glad I talked my wife and daughter into going or I would have been by myself.

Sorry, I was forced to work today. I had to go in at 7 am and got off at 6Pm. I tried to cal you about. 2:15 this afternoon. I am not gonna answer my phone sun and mon if work calls. Heck with them. I was off until the other lame brain supervisor about cut his finger off.
Later Steve

Do you want to come by tomorrow and make your part? I just need to run to Lowes in the morning. Not to early :)

Oh but it is not going to be free. I need help tramming the head on my mill!

Hey guys, anything ever come about this thread. Although I am a bit away from most of you I am from Tenn. Bristol. Just starting to get into the CNC thing & it want be for a few more months before I start working together a machine (Hopefully first of march).


Its all new to me so I have a lot to learn but I plan to put a lot of time into it. I dont work anymore so I have the time to put into it. When I get things in order (march) I should be able to make some meatings & what not. I look forward to the chance to meat any of you.

Let me know anything I can put toward helping. I am not smart (nuts) but time I do have.


Jess

Welcome aboard Jess. If you need help I think PappaBear10 lives pretty close to you. He is the resident guru of mach3 if any of us can help you all you need to do is ask.

Aksess (BTW: hi Jess),

Sorry I couldn't make it, I ran into a few issues converting a 4 axis lathe, took me through the weekend and then some.

BTW: About 2 weeks ago I did a 4 axis "Hot Wire" foam cutter for a guy, it came out real good!! (he is into making plane wings and stuff like that).

If you need some help converting your machine, you know you can call me anytime. We can set up a "Build session" for your machine, (you supply the beer......hehehehe).

Let me know when you want to get the group together again. I have figured out a way to add 7+ axis to Mach buy using PLC's to run independant stepper/servo control. (for non-program dependant movement axis). I had to do that for the 4 axis lathe, I had to make a double ATC, one for turret tools and one for tailstock tools.......real pain in the butt, and my head now need rogain......

Scott

No problem pappabear I will be calling you when I am ready to convert it. I tramed the head yesterday, Took me 3 hours. Installed a z axis dro, best money I ever spent. re indicated my vise. Now I am ready to start my 1/4 scale V-8 build. I hope.

Thanks for the welcome guys. Not sure what machine I will be doing just yet. I am thinking very much on finding a Bidgeport or buying a new Clone. When the time comes I would be glad to buy the beer and have a "lets build Jess machine party" LOL.


There seems to be plent of Bridgeports coming threw the Evilbay right now but when I am reading to buy one there probably want be anything thats not ready to fall apart or over priced.


I do have one local guy that is buying all new machines & he has a 14-40 Ramco lathe & what he called a Pro ( said this was the name on it) 12-54 table knee Mill,DRO with a new head. I have never heard of these or found any info on either one. The lathe he said was bought 37 years ago & the Mill was bought back in the 1960's. They both have been treated pretty rough but are good Iron. I should be able to get them cheap enough to be worth putting some money into them. I had seen the machines before but they wasnt for sale at the time so I didnt pay a lot of attention to them. I will be going to look at them soon so I will find out more about them. I do know plenty of people that should know where there is a lot of machines if I just take my time give it a search. I will find a good one. It just may take some time weeding through the junk to find the good ones.


Some of the prices I have seen on the Bridgeports make the Clones look real good. I would just hate to spend and have a machine that want hold up or hold clearances. But still some of the Grizzly & other clones look like they would be a good buy.


Jess

have an old Cincinnati horizontal mill for $300 if you need that.

Let see the pic of that cincinnatti

Here it is the horizontal, My 13x40 Enco and my Rf 31 with powerfeed and z axis dro.

Hey Aksess! Shame on you!

(chair) ;) LOL!

You should have pointed out the "pull-start" three-phase motor in the center photo at the bottom left corner. It's pretty cool!

Oh yea! I am so use to it I forgot about it.

Hey, that is nice!!!
BTW: I am thinking of getting a larger lathe, How accurate/good is the Enco?
Would you buy it over, or something else?
I am looking for something like 14-20" turn, by 40"-72" between centers.
If you know of something.

BTW: If you need that help for CNC Mach conversion, let me know, I will be glad to set it up for you/help you.

Scott

I only gave $1,500 for the lathe and yes I would buy it again, But not at the price Enco wants for it $3,900. I like the gear head, Makes it a lot easier setting up for threading.

I turned a piece 36" long then checked it I had .003 difference from one end to the other and on a piece of 12" I had .0005 I am very impressed and love my lathe.

I plan on converting the Rf 31 mill to cnc when the weather warms up a bit. It is cold in my little shop. I need insulation bad.

Are you interested in the Cincinnati? If so what you have to trade? I like trading. Maby an index head, or rotary table? :)

I just checked out your photos. Man, I am jealous..... Can I move into your shop :rainfro:

BTW. If anyone is interested, I have a 4 axis hobbycnc controller board with 4 80 oz/in steppers 4-sale. I upgraded to a new board with larger steppers and was gonna replenish my wallet. $140.00. All set to go. I just took it off my foam cutting cnc. Shoot me a pm if anyone wants it or knows someone who does.
Steve


Here it is the horizontal, My 13x40 Enco and my Rf 31 with powerfeed and z axis dro.

Aksess, if no one takes the Cin, I would like to get it. The problem is right now I am waiting on a check & will be about a month before its here. If no one grabs it by then & its still for sale I will give you a shout.


Jess

Steve you would not like it in the shop. I have no insulation and it is cold in there of the night.

Jess that is fine. What do you have we can trade on? I like to trade.

LUCKY13 If you need a good mill I will sell you my one. I decided I want a bigger one. Full size. I will sell it for $1,600 that includes the Mill, Power Feed, Stand, Z axis DRO, a new 4" lockdown style vice, 11 collets, and a few cutters. It is a rong fu rf 31 the machine alone sells for around $1,200 and the stand is seperate. And I will throw in the horizontal mill for another $150 if you still want it.

Thanks for the offer. One problem is i am waiting on a settlement before I have my money. Should be about one to two months. If the Horiz, is still there I will take it for your first price you said. But as far as a mill I have researched this to death & I am sure I will be buying atleast a 9x42 Vert.

Unless I come across a good used BridgePort I will probably buy the Sharp 10x50 TMV & CNC it after a bit. I would like to have a Old Iron mill but I really need one running right off when I buy ( atleast the one). I might luck out and find a Bridgy thats ready to go with the amount of money I am willing to spend. I have seen some nice ones cheaper than buying the Sharp if they are still there when the time comes.

I am going to buy a lathe also & I am pretty sure it will be a 1978 LaBlonde 19x54 in good shape I found. If it needs a few things I should be able to handle them with the new mill, but so far it looks like a sweat machine & I havent come across anything it needs. I have to many things in mind to get a mill or a lathe that I will need to replace with bigger within 6 months of getting started. Even if I stretch myself on money making the pruchase getting the new mill & a good size lathe it will be worth it in the end.

I am only going to have the money to do this once so I better get something that will fit the bill & last. The little Horazontal will be a good project for me if its still there when the time comes.

I must say I am sorry for getting you thinking about selling your stuff. It's just I have thought & thought about this & I know the route I need to take now. I thought about a many of size & type machines. And to tell the truth I kinda wanted a mill that was already CNC ready to go. But this put me in a place that I ended up with a lot less machine than I wanted/needed. So the CNC will have to wait a bit. And to CNC a bigger mill is going to cost me more. But I will wait till winter after I have recooped from the buy to do it.


Again thanks for the offer, and if the Horiz, mill i still there in a month or two I will take it. But if you find a buyer for it sale it because i can find a other one. Its not like it would be a major need for me to have it. It would be a good project for me that fits a few needs & I would be glad to have it.


Jess

Yo Aksess,
Did you sell your laser?
Steve

I still have the laser. Not done any more with it. LUCKY13 no problem you did not get me thinking of selling it. I just decided last night I want a full cnc and it would prob be cheaper if I went with a knee mill instead of trying to convert this one.

Hey Aksess,

Hey man, do you know Steve Washington's #? He said he met me at our ET machine club meeting when we all met together at the dinner.

He called me and had a programing question, but he did NOT leave his phone number to call him back. I get lots of calls per day, and his number rolled off the list.

His message was a little garbled as well, I think he said his last name was Washington, but I did hear the Steve part.

If you could email me his number, I will call him.
poppaBear @ hughes.net (take out the spaces around the @).

Scott

Hey Fellow Tennesseans,
Im in Chattanooga and Im collecting parts for a CNC wood router. If anyone else is in the area (within 100 miles) and wants to confer on CNC projects I would love to hear from you. Home phone: 423-886-9455.
Thanks,
Don Brookshire
Signal Mountain, Tennessee


Hello, I found some older posts from 2005 mentioning you are located on the mountain and building a machine. I would love to talk with you some time and take a look at your machine. Just give me a call at (423) 718-6934 or email me at jack@xitian.com if you are still actively working with CNC equipment. Have you ever been to TN Rand off <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Dayton Blvd.</st1:address></st1:Street>? Right now I'm working on a telerobotic project in my garage. I'm planning on getting a mill soon and also building a gantry router / plasma table.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

Hey E. TN Machine Club,

I just got back from the 3rd annual CNC workshop, put on 2 classes on interfacing PLC's through the modbus to mach for Spindle control and tool changers. Taught a little about PLC programming as well. It was a fun experience had about 16 guys in the class.

Got to hang out with Art, Brian, Graham, and a few others from the Mach crowd, or MachSupport Crowd. Picked on some brains about some of the cool stuff commind down the pike with Quantum and Flash Screens. Super Flash class put on by Jason!!

Scott

Thats Awesome. Been a while since this thread had some life. I need to call and check up on Aksess. Anyone hear from him in a while?
Steve

I am still around! I have moved on to class III NFA toys now, It only took 14 days for my first ATF approval. Suppressors, full auto, etc. I still have my large lathe and mill. I am doing a little powdercoating now. I need a cnc lathe now for some things I make.

I was wondering if there is anyone located in the kingsport/ johnson city area and such

Aksess,

Yeap got my manufactures BATF, for NFA, Ammo, and SOT items!!!

I have a CNC lathe (although it is small, I can turn a good rifle barrel).

Where can I find a M-11 SMG sear registered in 22 caliber? I need one for a build I am doing.

Hey Aksess,

Hey man, do you know Steve Washington's #? He said he met me at our ET machine club meeting when we all met together at the dinner.

He called me and had a programing question, but he did NOT leave his phone number to call him back. I get lots of calls per day, and his number rolled off the list.

His message was a little garbled as well, I think he said his last name was Washington, but I did hear the Steve part.

If you could email me his number, I will call him.
poppaBear @ hughes.net (take out the spaces around the @).

Scott


That would be Steven Marston. PM will be sent.

No Clue,

I just build Sniper Rifles and Suppressors mostly.
and of course paintball markers and accessories..........

I build for my self and sell to a very few clients, mostly high end one off custom jobs.

S.

hey poppabear where was it you said u was located at? i have done forgotten.

Nice to see there are guys interested in NFA around here :) There aren't too many up here on the plateau.... If the meetings are still goin' on, I'd certainly like to attend. Makes it pretty easy since the GF lives in Athens! LOL

Ken

M-134b, Do you live in knoxville? Me and Aksess lives in Athens.
Later Steve

No, I'm in Cumberland County.... 'bout an hour from K-town or Athens. Matter of fact I'll be down there later today.

Ken

m-134b,

Sorry, been "Stupid Buzy" latley........

Yea, I actually live North of Knox-vegas, in a little town called Briceville.
I love for us all to meet up again, that last time we did, we mostly shot the BS, but perhaps this time we could share some wisdom.
My area of expertise is design/build/retrofit/repair CNC machines, I use Mach 3, (and PLC's on more complex machines). I can show you how to do Screen designs, VB, and some minor flash screen tricks (still in the learning curve on that one).
Perhaps you, me, others can all get to gether and share knowledge in our areas of competance that we could all benefit from..........

Scott

Sounds like a plan to me :) It would certainly be nice to network and share know how. My expertise is in precision threading, and making jigs and fixtures to hold really weird parts for machining. I am, for the most part, self taught. I've had a lot of very helpful people kick me in the rear along the way :D

Ken

Hey Fellas,
I just thought I throw this out in here if its alright because Most all of us live close to each other. I am selling my router 36"x72"x5" CNC router. You can check out the photos of it in my photos under planekrazie. I have also a mini harbor freight lathe and a mini mill. ( not cnc ) But I have a 4 axis chopper board that Ill throw in with 4 steppers so someone could make it cnc. I am not getting out of the hobby but buying a house LOL. I plan on later to build another one. Id like to get $3000.00 for all of it. Thats the computer and all. I will deliver up to 100 miles for a small fee. I have alot of bearings, bits, software, ect. Again $3000.00 OBO
Call me at 1-800-929-0909 from 3 pm to 11 pm. or mornings at 423-745-1128
Thanks Steve swmarsh1@gmail.com

Just curious, Is there another meeting planned any time in the near future? If so, I'd like to be in on it if at all possible! :D

Ken

yea, if you want a meet, that is fine with me, problem is getting all these guys together at the same place at the same time is like hearding Cat fish in a submarine with screen doors..........

scott

LOL, I know what you mean there! I go through the same thing trying to coordinate training with different PD's.......... It's a major undertaking....

PM me and we'll see what we can do about setting up a meeting somewhere.

Ken

Ken,

I am usually available on saterdays.......

If you need some help setting up your macine, then bring it, and we will get it running (assuming mach control, if other Im not the guy).

scott

Who can make this part for me? Spring steel

Hey I am taking a new Job, that has "Local" travel only, (currently I travel 100%) all over the US repairing/retrofiting CNC machine.

The new company is looking for a local travel guy in E. TN.

The reason I say the above, this will open up my time in the Afternoons, and not put such a strian on "family time" on the weekends.

I was thinkin, why don't "We" the East TN chapter, put on a Meet/conference and and call it the SE Machine builders conference or somehting like that?

We could invite all the surrounding states, like the OH group which also seems to be taking off. I mean others could come if they wanted but I suspect most wouldnt want to travel to far due to money and time constraints.

We could put on a weekend deal, and have various classes and topics, taught, as well as show our machines (at least the ones easily transported).
Mabey even get some industrial supply vendors to show......

Just some thoughts,


Scott

Hey everyone im in Crossville TN. I diddnt think there were so many people near me. Im really suprised! I just started to build my plasma cutter 3x5 appx. I dont have any idea what im doing but that never stopped me before. I have yet to read all the pages in this thread just thought i would drop a line and say im here.

Hey are any of you fellow E TN members going to the "Mach3 convention"?

Scott

Where is it gonna be?
Steve

In Knoxville, so far.

look under tradeshows and events thread, mine is called:

"Mach3 Convention"

scott

Hey are any of you guys going to the Mach 3 convention south east???

If so sign up boys!!!!

scott

Not gonna be able to make it on my end. I have to work.
I have a question. I sold my Old CNC Router to a fella member of the zone and I am building another one. The cut area is gonna be 48x60. What do you think about Rack and pinion driving the long gantry movement?
Steve

Would depend on the quality/accuracy of the rack and pion and what kind of max tolorances you want to hold over that distance.

If you using it for woodworking, signmaking and have a good quality rack, then it should be fine for the application.

scott

Hey East TN group,

If any of you are planning on comming to the mach convention south east, please let me know if have a portable generator capable of single phaze 220v output......
I will waive your entrance fee for use of your generator.

scott

Hello from Sevierville,
I'm needing someone to custom build a cnc machine that I can attach a spray head to.
The size is 40"x16" with two axis. I would like to build my own but just don't have the time. I have a 36" shopbot and we just bought a 24"X18" epilog laser cutter. If I can be of any help let me know

Dennis

I forgot "GO VOLS"

Ill build it for ya,

call me at (eight six five) four two six - nine seven two eight after 6pm eastern time.

scott

What do you think about Rack and pinion driving the long gantry movement?
Steve

What other methods were you considering? Dual ball screws? Belt drive?
I use a belt drive on my router. Travel is aprox. 48". The method I chose was using a "loop" of belt, not a single strip with an idler/tension setup. http://www.sinistersam.com/zonetn.jpg (http://www.sinistersam.com/zone.jpg)

If I were to do it again, I would go with the rack/pinion. I think after all was said and done, the belt setup probably cost twice what a rack system would have cost, and I think a rack would be more rigid/accurate, not to mention alot easier to tune. This is all speculation, as I have not used or even seen a rack system in use.

Looks Great, I am looking at both options. Right now I am checking price and avail.
Thank steve

Well E. TN Machine builders......... The Mach3 Convention is filling up fast, already have over 34 people, and 7 vendors. If you plan on coming to the event. Sign up at:

www.machcnc.com

Scott

Scott

Did you get my reservation to the convention? I am looking forward to the event. Maryville, TN here

Bob

Mabey,

What (Real) name did you put it under, email me off list, and I will check it for you.

Scott

Hello Scott.
Hope for best results and successful convention.
Regards from Venezuela.
Hugo Carradini

Good to hear from you as well, Hope your router is working good.

scott

I have a CNC Milling Machine for Sale located near Athens, TN.

Ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320219299550

Leehound

Well E. TN Machine builders......... The Mach3 Convention is filling up fast, already have over 34 people, and 7 vendors. If you plan on coming to the event. Sign up at:

www.machcnc.com (http://www.machcnc.com)

Scott

I just wanted to say Scott and Chris are doing a great job at the Mach3 convention. Scott thanks again for setting this up and all your hard work! I hope all of us ornery cnc'rs are not wearing you out to fast.<O:p</O:p

Just finishing our first day of the Mach3 convention in Knoxville and have talked to alot of participants there. I think Scott (Poppabear) is doing a bangup job with his Instruction of Mach Screens and macros. We also have discussed setups and tommorrow will see some actual machines built by local users. Now for the icing on the cake... In my discussions everyone would like to see what is being done with those DIY and conversions in the area. I cant think of a better way than start a User group. Tour facilities, garages, and shops to see how they did it. I have been very impressed with the diversity of expertise from beginner to advanced in everything from routing, foundry, to electronics and plasma cutting machines. Let me know what you think I will start a new thread on the Polls section of the forum so not to steal this thread. This user group will be based in the East Tennessee area.

Bob