Need Help!- Max turn diameter on sl-20

[hardcore]

Has anyone pushed the outer limits on their Sl-20 like try to cut 11.250 diameter?
Mine is a 1999. I know this sounds like a bad idea but I really nead the work.
I was told buy a friend that his manual says turret tool clearence is 11.00. I cant find it anywhere in my manual. I was thinking about using a smaller tool and putting it almost all the way into the turret. The length of the part is about 2" long and basicaly looks like a flange. To make matters worse these are burnouts mild steel. Like I said I really nead the work, but I dont wan't to wreck my machine either. Any input would be much appreciated.
Thanks, hardcore

[APP]

I have cut 10" 4140 that had lots of face grooving,and od work on my TL-15. Getting that big I had to really take it easy, because I would stall the motor. I hated doing it, but was in the same boat and needed the work. I think you are okay if you take reasonable cuts.

[hardcore]

Thanks APP, do you have any sugestions on depth of cut and spead? Do you know if your TL-15 has the same gearbox as the SL-20, I assume the 20 h.P. is the same. Thanks Hardcore

[APP]

I dont have a gearbox. 20 hp motor.


I don't remember exacally, but it seems like I ran normal surface footage, but the depth of cut and feed was about half of what I normally run until I got in the 6/7 inch range, then I cranked it up.

[swain]

Hardcore,

I have what sounds like the same machine. Mine is 1999 sl-20 bb.

In the past I have machined the toolholders so I could push the tool away from the spindle (more in X) and it is the strongest way to hold it, especially on burn outs. I don't think you are gonna get close to 11.+ tho.

One job I do is 10.75 od. I take a HEAVY boring bar, and install it backwards in the turret. (Think normal lathe...with the tooling on the opposite side of the spindle) All you do then is program the machine to use the spindle in reverse for the od and face cuts. I don't remember exactly how much room over 10.75 it was...but I cleared the part OD easy. Simple way to check,
run your turret close to your spindle with X at machine zero. Measure center of tool pocket to center of chuck. Subtract half of whatever size boring bar you want to use, and if you have 5.625 left..(half of part OD)...then your golden.

GL...and pm me if I didn't explain it well.

D.S.

[ggilbert76]

In my shop we regularly run 11, 11.25, and 12" dia. aluminum in our sl20.

[Frank_S]

Originally Posted by ggilbert76 In my shop we regularly run 11, 11.25, and 12" dia. aluminum in our sl20.

I'm considering purchasing an SL-20 and one of the jobs I do requires I just take a finish pass at 12.250" on the O.D. The part is only 1.00" thick and mounted on a spud, it's a very light cut.

I spoke with a HAAS engineer and he said I could do it if I make a custom tool. My main concern is crashing the turret. What type of tool are you using and how much clearance do you have to avoid crashing the turret?

[ggilbert76]

I looked at my program today and I was mistaken, the part is 12.5" in dia. I approach to face and exit the od cut at 12.6". I'm not sure what manufacturer the tool is, but it is unaltered. The number on the side is: SCLCR123 NG9. It has a 3/4" square shank, and I can choke up on it far enough to turn this diameter and still have a coolant line behind it. Hope this helps!

Oh, and I'm not taking much off either, the stock is only .030 or so oversize, but I would be comfortable taking more, you just have to spin it slow.

[Frank_S]

Originally Posted by ggilbert76 I looked at my program today and I was mistaken, the part is 12.5" in dia. I approach to face and exit the od cut at 12.6". I'm not sure what manufacturer the tool is, but it is unaltered. The number on the side is: SCLCR123 NG9. It has a 3/4" square shank, and I can choke up on it far enough to turn this diameter and still have a coolant line behind it. Hope this helps! Oh, and I'm not taking much off either, the stock is only .030 or so oversize, but I would be comfortable taking more, you just have to spin it slow.

Thank you for that bit of info. Are you also able to face the the entire surface from the center of the part all the way out to the O.D. of 12.5?

[ggilbert76]

Originally Posted by Frank_S Thank you for that bit of info. Are you also able to face the the entire surface from the center of the part all the way out to the O.D. of 12.5?

Yeah, I drill through it with a 1.5" spade drill, face & turn it, bore it, and on the other side I face to length, bore, thread and cut a face groove from about an inch or so below the OD, to 2.something inches, about .065 deep I think.