How long a profile bit in Colombo 5 hp ATC

[ddgman2001]

I'm trying to justify upgrading my CNC machine to a Shop Sabre with a 5 hp Colombo or HSK ATC.

One of the jobs we're doing with a manual machine that would be nice to move to the CNC would require a 4" long cutter to profile a 4" tall hard maple part. I've seen it done on a larger machine. Is this asking too much of a Shop Sabre and a 5 hp spindle?

Thanks.

[todd71]

Should be no problem as far as spindle to part clearance. One issue maybe the clearance during tool change. If too long the tool may not fit in tool changer fork without the cutter hitting the frame of the machine. In that case you may have to hand load the tool. But to machine the part, no problem.

Todd
www.innovative-accents.com

[ger21]

You'll need at least 8" of Z travel as well. Probably need to use a 3/4" tool, and may need to make quite a few passes, depending on how rigid the machine is.

[todd71]

I check mine today (10hp) and there's only 3.500 of clearance at the tool changer. So hand loading required. As ger pointed out you'll need min. 8.00 of gantry clearance. Which if you order your machine with a tool changer it will be 8.000. A machine w/o tool changer has 6.000 standard.

[ddgman2001]

Originally Posted by todd71 I check mine today (10hp) and there's only 3.500 of clearance at the tool changer. So hand loading required. As ger pointed out you'll need min. 8.00 of gantry clearance. Which if you order your machine with a tool changer it will be 8.000. A machine w/o tool changer has 6.000 standard.

Thanks Todd. What is the largest shank diameter that style of tool holder can accept? I'm not even sure what style of tool holder that is - ER?

[RSSind]

With a 3/4" spoil board, we can only get 3" long tools in our shop sabre ATC. We are running 5 hp colombo spindles. we are using er25 tool holders, and the largest collets that are recommended are .625", however you can get a .750". We run 3" tools down to .250" diameter all the time. Accidentally, I ran a .250 ball nose mill into a piece of wood @ 400 in/min, it cut a 1.25" deep groove at full width. It didn't break the bit or bog down the machine, not recommended though.

[todd71]

The 10hp uses ER32 collets. Here's a picture of pretty much the same
collet. The largest collet I have a 3/4 dia. If I need a bigger tool than that I have the shank "necked back" (i.e. 1.00 dia tool with a .750 shank)http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?P...PMPXNO=5802595

Todd

[ddgman2001]

Thanks guys. It looks like 5/8" is the limit for ER 25 and 3/4" for ER 32.

Anyone know of a source for extra long router bits or end mills with a CEL of at least 4".

I've tried Onsrud, Vortex and Whiteside.

What can a 10 hp spindle do that a 5 hp can't. I'm having trouble conceptualizing the need for any more than 5 other than larger bits.

[todd71]

Originally Posted by ddgman2001 What can a 10 hp spindle do that a 5 hp can't. I'm having trouble conceptualizing the need for any more than 5 other than larger bits.

Not much. A 5hp would be fine for the jobs coming my way.

Depending on where you live there maybe a tool grind shop
that can make your tools. I use http://pgm-tools.com/index.html
for my tooling. Chris has 3 CNC grinders and cranks out some killer tools. His prices are reasonable as well. $22.50 for 1/4 compression bits.
Once they dull it's only $7.00 to have them reground.

Todd

[cabnet636]

you're a good asset around here!!

hope to show you what i have been carving tommorrow!! big lessons learned

#1 do not try to set tool depth with the cutter running!!!!

#2 do not let employess glue up solid wood in anticipation of carving with BISCUTS!!!!!

[todd71]

Originally Posted by cabnet636 you're a good asset around here!! hope to show you what i have been carving tommorrow!! big lessons learned #1 do not try to set tool depth with the cutter running!!!! #2 do not let employess glue up solid wood in anticipation of carving with BISCUTS!!!!!

I'm just passing along information passed on to me. In the big picture we're all in this together. And sense I'm feeling a little sappy I'd like to tip my hat to Ger21 for all the great links and advise.
Looking forward to seeing the results of your efforts.

ROCK ON