Home made EDM

[RFERG43]

I just found this forum and have done several searches but I still have some questions. I am a metal working hobbiest and have taken an interest in building an EDM suitable for hobby work. In some articles I'v read a source of high frequency voltage is required, but at what voltage? In other articles there is no mention of an HF voltage. I have a tig welder and was wondering if it could be adapted to make a simple EDM . In other words I don't know enough about the subject to ask an intelligent question. Perhaps someone could direct me to more basic info so I don't bore you with dumb questions !!!!

[mxtras]

You came to the right place!

Look around in here and you will find a guy who basically has started an online book about EDM right here in The Zone. I can't recall his screen name, sorry, but I am sure with a bit of research you will find your answers - so many folks on here with a wealth of experience.

Welcome!

Scott

[ChrisJ]

Lindsay books is also selling a book on DIY EDM.

http://www.lindsaybks.com/

I curious if the guy Scott is referring to on the Zone is doing it in a similar method that is described in brief at the Lindsay book website. Apparently that one is low voltage and uses kerosene as the fluid.

Chris

[ViperTX]

Home Shop Machinist has had 2 different build articles on EDM in the past 2 or 3 years. I believe Don Maunch (sp?) of Camtronics also sells plan for an EDM.

[CJL5585]

Machining the carbon electrodes would be the difficult task.

I wonder if the Lindsay book goes into detail on that aspect.

Jerry

[ChrisJ]

It appears (based on the picture on the LB website) that the Lindsay books approach uses, or can use, your existing cnc mill, mounting the electrode to/into the spindle. If this is correct, I like this approach, since one can utilize their existing X/Y/Z axis on the mill instead of building a X/Y table for the EDM. A lot less to construct.

Chris

[RFERG43]

Thanks for the info !!! Guess the Lindsay book is what I need. I'll post the results of my project when it's done. May take a while, I'm in the process of renovating my house right now. Thanks again.

[eqreservoir]

Not to take away from the zone, but you might want to take a look at this new EDM yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EDMHomeBuilders

HTj

[eqreservoir]

Let's try that link again:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EDMHom...guid=192882979

HTj

[ChrisJ]

Both links above didn't work (for me).

May be this one will work: EDM Yahoo Group

I noticed the author is Ben Fleming. This is the author of the book sold in the Lindsay Books website.

Edit: For some reason the link is dropping the "s." after group. If you click on the link above and then manually add a "s." between group and yahoo, it will then work.

Chris

[Mcgyver]

like Viper says, get the hsm article which also came out in a book. I've seen Robert Langlois run his machine, a sinker and seems to work well. the nice part is its a start to finish construction broken into simple steps. There's a good threa here what goes into a wire edm.

http://www.homeshopmachinist.net/sto...1&maxrows=10of

also check out
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10374

we need to get Roy engaged in conversation again! he knows his stuff and is generous in sharing that knowledge.

here's the Camtronics stuff

http://s120220635.onlinehome.us/edm-plans.asp

Imo if you are selling your design instead of sharing it, it better be good but the seeing the draw slides makes me think this one’s a little shaky – anyone edm experts build or used this design? Before pursuing it would be nice to see it endorsed

[laheyth]

I am also thinking about a homemade EDM, ...would solder work for an electrode?
I have a brass knob I want to duplicate, and it would make sense to pour solder or lead onto it to copy it.