Hello all,
I am currently trying to build a three axis drum carving machine. With X, Z, and A axis. Has anyone done anything like this before? Was looking at using, Precision Ball Bearing Guide Blocks & Rails 6709K12 (http://javascript<b></b>:TargetLink('TR4657','tr','PT46571','6709K12');) and 6709K33 (http://javascript<b></b>:TargetLink('TR4657','tr','PT46572','6709K33');) from McMaster-Carr for the bearings .
For the frame and arm I was going to use T slot type aluminum extrusion.
The drive motors I have for the X and A axis are:

Oriental Motor CO., LTD.
VETRA STEPING MOTOR
PK296A1A-SG3.6
2-phase 0.5 degree / step

And for the Z:

Oriental Motor CO., LTD.
VETRA STEPING MOTOR
PK268-02A
2-phase 1.8 degree / step

Has anyone had experience with these motors before?
I will be using an AH-Ha controller RC-500C has anyone used one of these?

Also what would be a good roller to use for the drive and feed roller on the inside of the drum.

Will post some sketches once I get the design flushed out.

Thanks,
Sam

Dead links.

I am currently trying to build a three axis drum carving machine.

A lathe?


.

kinda a cross between a lathe and a mill will be able to turn the A axis fast enough to use as a lathe to rough and a mill to do the finish work

Hi DeckHand.
If you get some sketches up then we may be able to have a much better Idea of what you're attempting. I wanted to make something like what you have in mind ages ago for bowl turning but have not had the time to sus it out. I was thinking of a faceplate lathe with the tool able to turn on its axis (a) and be fed in the usual (z) axis way and use a router for the toolholder.

Too much RPM will be your problem. Think in inches/minute, IPM, that is the number of inches per minute that pass under the cutting tool. If you use a router to do the cutting then you will probably be in the 300 to 500 IPM range. If all you want to do is turn the exterior round then use a variable speed motor to drive the rotation. Look at my site, turningaround.org, and email me if I can help.

How deep are your drums? I'm making banjo rims. See my lathe at hicklerbanjo.com.