4th/5th axis

[mtlmnchr]

Our shop has a Haas VF-5 with an HR 210 4th. I am constantly needing to drill oil/fluid holes at multiple axis angles, therefore, my expensive toy sits while I go to the trusty bridgeport. The problem with this is the multiple amount of set-ups required to do this, along with small runs 2-10 parts and infrequency(might never do them again. precludes me from exacting fixtures to produce repeatable results and symetric parts ( compressor and turbine replacement parts fro power generation)
I have read all the literature I can find, and got the salesman to come out and present options. Basically here is the scoop. I can get a trunion unit for 30-40 K. Does anyone have any suggestions ? I had some thoughts but maybe my "stoneage" views are not giving me the answers I need.

I sometimes need my full 4th, and a stepper 5th. Other times a stepper 4th and a rotary 5th is needed

Thks

Bill

[WOLOG]

This may sound dumb, but why don't you try to put the rotary table on an angle plate or something like that. It may be a pain to set each angle, but it would be a lot cheaper than buying a trunnion. I just got my VF-5/50 with a HRT-310. I have a feeling that I will be doing something as above soon.

I have a few more ideas if this doesn't work. Let me know.

[mtlmnchr]

Well, I thought of that first, ( as I stated stoneage philosphy) but typically, I will have several different planes to deal with and need to access them in a one step process to insure that the fluid holes don't break out into either a labrynth seal area, or a compressed air area. I was really dissatisfied with the salesmans info. If I am not mistaken, when you use a "stepper" actuated off of an M-code. the machine can't function until it recieves the finish signal from the stepper control, which would keep oyu from being able to simultaneously move the y- axis and the stepper to form a wrap. He insisted that they had no control over each other. Am I wrong ?
I was once before,
I can't remember when it was But I made note of it on my calendar. (can't find calendar)

[mtlmnchr]

Also one of the scenarios I am investigating is replacing my Vertical with a Horizontal, I do alot of fluid holes, and laws of gravity kill my drills in 9310, 4340 with 45 HRC

[WOLOG]

I would say bypass the salesman and go directly to the Applications guys at your HFO. If that doesn't work, call Haas directly and speak to someone in tech support. My apps. guy will be at my shop in the morning. I will give a copy of this yo him and maybe he can help. He is a Haas Genius.

It sounds like you don't have through spindle coolant. I would say try using a coolant inducer before you invest $150K or more on a horizontal. However, if the volume of parts is there, buy the horizontal and don't look back.

Have you tried different drills... ?

[WOLOG]

I have another dumb idea for you. Did you think about mounting another rotary table to the HRT-210? I mean like make a "L" bracket to mount to the platter of the 210 and mount another indexer or smaller rotary on the bracket in the 5th axis position. I am going to build a somewhat similar setup for my 310 when I get a few days to play. I hope that helps.

[WOLOG]

Oh, about the control and the M-code. I believe there is a way to get both to work at the same time. The trick would be to do the calculations to put the tool in the right position after the Mcode has been sent. I am not sure if that makes a lot of sense, but both axis moved in my head.

[mtlmnchr]

The "L" Bracket is the way I am intending to go, I have already considered making one for another aplication I have anyhow. Not sure about the M-code thing, I think I would need to over-ride the M-fin signal for the brake.

[KBW]

Would a 40 or 50 taper " L " head work. You can get to 5 planes for machining with one set up.

[mtlmnchr]

Yes a 90 deg head would be great, I am also investigating this also. We have been looking at it to do internal splines and such on shafts. Have any good models you are familiar with ? my vf-5 has a CAT 40 spindle