Build Thread- My HAAS inspired enclosure: Enjoy :) Work in Progress

[SpeedsCustom]

I started this project a little over two weeks ago. The main reason behind me "re-doing" the enclosure was I was not happy with how the enclosure was sealed, I was not happy about the vibrations caused by the two stainless steel mill supports.

Two weeks ago from today, I filled the two U-channels that the mills sits on with concrete. The bolts were also concreted in so that I can simply unscrew nuts from the top of the mill and not always mess my hands up trying to reach under the supports.

The drain hole was enlarged, the biggest difference is the awesome sliding door. I have yet to put on the handle. The shop is a complete mess because it's been worked on for two weeks. I only yesterday assembled it for the most part. I did a much better job sealing the enclosure, I think. A few holes I need to still fill with epoxy. The supports were pushed back because I was able to make a cut in the back that allowed the Z-axis column to fit through. This makes adjusting the mill a little harder, But I have left plenty of room to access the bolts. I also did this because I filled the column with concrete and a bolt. There will be a cross beam in the back that stiffens the column.


This was inspired by the HAAS mini Mill, I get too look at one every Monday night when I go to class. I really like those mills Lots of "fun" work is going to be done to the outside now. Adding logo, adding brackets and such to make it essentially look HAAS like. I will be running hoses and nice shiny piping


I would like to really get into everything but I have to keep this initial post brief cause I gotta run right now. But let the pictures do the talking and please post comments and questions.

Enjoy!

Before:





Now: But a work in progress:

[SpeedsCustom]

In that front panel you see between the table and the mill, that will be milled out for all sorts of switches, e-stops, plugs. So I'm pretty excited about how that is all going to work and no more plugging things into the wall!

More to come, please ask any questions. I will get more pictures inside and around the mill.


-Jason

[SpeedsCustom]

There is still a ton of work to be done but not to bad. I'll be adding a collet shelf, adding some rubber trim to "hide" the cuts made in the metal sheeting, especially around the window area. I'll be adding an external manifold for another air hose tube, do I need to do it? No, but I have a spare hose (much smaller which will be perfect) I am going to add another pump to add a ton more coolant power I'll be adding cosmetic things as well. This should be fun, I forgot about a hole on the side that was not plugged...yep coolant poured out! Got that sealed though.

I will go into details about certain areas, 130 views and not a comment? Sheeseh, my threads stink! :P





-Jason

[judleroy]

The enclosure looks very well made. You have done a fine high quality job. You should be proud. Judleroy

[SpeedsCustom]

I almost feel that was a pity post :P Hah jk, really thanks though. Pictures never seem to do justice. I need a nice quality camera to get the desired pictures.

I am definitely going to be adding the E-Stop to the front of this enclosure, now that I can see through the front. And I certainly still want to add many other things, like I said. Work in progress.


-Jason

[rowbare]

Originally Posted by SpeedsCustom In that front panel you see between the table and the mill, that will be milled out for all sorts of switches, e-stops, plugs. So I'm pretty excited about how that is all going to work and no more plugging things into the wall! -Jason

Good work so far. I an not sure about this part though. I have always thought that it was a good idea to keep electrics above the water line. A simple leak could be catastrophic...

[SpeedsCustom]

it's impossible for leak where that panel is. If it was on the sides, I would be concerned.

That area will not leak.


-Jason

[digits]

That does look like an interesting enclosure - but with the mill so far back in there, do you really want to have controls down low on the front panel? Aren't you going to have to lean in over them to get to the mill's table?

I would have thought that to do things like load stock and touch off, you're going to want one hand on your machine table and one hand on your jog-wheel - wouldn't that be easier if the controls are up at eye level on the right side of the door?

Just my 2p's worth...

[SpeedsCustom]

Digits, I always always use my keyboard on the right hand drawer, been doing it on the old bench for a few years now.

I have been working on the mill all day, touching off and getting stock is easy in there. It's a very large opening.

The front panel would only house a few switches like coolant and maybe spindle control or something.

The mill and everything is at the same height has it always has been, it's been pushed back a few inches but nothing that has made anything harder too do.

Thanks for the kind words.


-Jason

[rcm45]

you did a very nice job, I have gotten some good ideas from your pic, thanks Ron

[SpeedsCustom]

Thank you,

I will get some more pictures tomorrow and hopefully you will get some more ideas. Lots of work too be done.

-Jason