Hoss Mill Console Project

[hoss2006]

This project will be a new Mill Console to house all of the mills electronics, switches, power supplies, monitor, keyboard etc.
The only components not included will be the actual Windows PC.
I want to keep it separate so that I could easily upgrade the PC down the road.
I'll be using some stripped frames from a few old towers that have piled up over the years.
Finished dimensions will be about 24x21x14.
I'll still use my original control panel with it, but probably change some of the switches.
I want to add a Manual Pulse Generator too.
The joystick is nifty but the MPG will be more useful.
All of the panels on the face will be removable so that I can change my mind
and reorganize the switches and such if necessary. It's bound to happen.
I've been putting this off for a while because the details weren't coming.
Usually ideas will just come to me while driving home, just before bedtime, dropping a deuce, etc.
I'll make notes and figure it all out later.
I mull over a few options but If I don't like any of them, I just wait.
Eventually it just hits me. and I get to work.
Time to get to work.
I have a video showing the cutting of the keyboard and monitor panels using the flood coolant for the first time.
Went OK, does need a tweak or 2 to the strainers, they clogged a little.
Shows the benefits of the extra capacity of the X and Y travels.
Later Hoss

[ataxy]

as always cant wait to see

[Micro Rotors]

Hoss,
I am glad to hear this is your next project as you know, this is the one I have been waiting for!!!!!!



Thanks
Bill

[hoss2006]

Hey Bill,
Working on the face frame right now. It will mount to the PC cases and give
me a frame to screw all the panels onto.
That way, if I change my mind later it will be easy to replace or modify a switch layout.
It will be 24 x 24 inches now. Plenty of room for doohickys and thingamabobs.
I'm hoping to have all the framework and such done by next month
so I can spend my vacation doing all the wiring. I'll make schematics this time.
Later Hoss

[Micro Rotors]

Hoss,

As "Gomer Pile" put it so eloquently,

Thaaankya, Thaaankya, Thaaankya,

I can't wait to see this take shape. I am dying to see how you integrate all the doohickys and thingamabobs. You must not forget all the bell's and whistles either. I am very curious on the MPG as I want to make the pendant with one also. I wonder how much of this will work with the HobbyCNC 4Pro kit I use.

I am finished with the Tapping Tool and the ATC you have so graciously given us (many, many thanks).

I am starting to CNC my Mini Lathe now while I wait to see what comes of this new project you have embarked on. I have all the material and am now getting around to drawing it up and tool pathing it up.

One question though, well two;

How are you adding all the goodies to your electronics and do you think I have to change over to something else other than the HobbyCNC driver to get it all to work. I'm wanting to be able to use some kind of a programmable controller to control the spindle, along with the pendant and tapper and the list goes onnnnnnnn!

So many things to make and so little time, I'm just glad you are in the "Driver" seat (pun intended)!

Thanks Again
Bill

[hoss2006]

Hey Bill,
Don't know much about the Hobbycnc board, you may need a breakout board for the extra inputs/outputs.
One of the parts I'm adding is this 19 in. widescreen monitor from Dell.
My eyes are going south, need the bigger screen.
Hoss

[hoss2006]

Finally got around to finishing the face frame.
I'll make individual panels for the switches etc. that will mount onto this frame.
Used some .190 x .750 6061 and riveted the half laps together.
Now to mount the frame to the old PC cases.
Later Hoss

[hoss2006]

A little more progress.
Have the basic frame made, now to button it up with some sheet metal
from the old PC cases and aluminum plate.
In 2 weeks i'll start transferring the electronics from the old console.
Hoss

[ataxy]

the art of taking a pinto and turning it into a corvette hey hoss what is going to be the footprint of your machine ounce you are done

[hoss2006]

Hey ataxy,
With the flood coolant enclosure, I'm taking up about 4 x 8 feet of workbench.
The lathe will take up another half that too when it finally ships in April.
Have to store some of the woodworking tools to make room.
Guess I could move the hottub outside.
Hoss

[ataxy]

holy 4x8 wow big foot print

[Micro Rotors]

Hoss,

It looks like it's really coming along nicely. Starting to get me wondering if I want to make one also. Is that a mini keyboard from Sony for the Playstation? If so ... I have one already!

I am hoping you document all that you are doing, I just might need that information from you! will you be adding a pendant also that plugs into the console?

Keep on with your work!

BTW ... you should plan on going to the WESTEC show out here in LA to get some really cool ideas.

Bill