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Lathe Cut Santa

Rating:
5/5,
  • Machine Type:
    Other Machine
    Software:
    Vectric Vcarve Desktop
    Electronics:
    OpenBuilds BlackBox
    Machine Time:
    2.5 hours
    Bit or Laser Size:
    Roughing - 1/4" ball nose end mill, Finishing - 2mm ball nose endmill
    Feeds & Speeds:
    Roughing- 5000mm/min, DOC 5mm, 40% stepover
    Finishing - 4000mm/min, DOC 1mm, 10% stepover
    Materials:
    Arborvitae branch from a tree that died.
    So far, I have cut several items with my newly built lathe based on a LEAD High Z kit to get it dialed in accuracy-wise and to test limitations. So, I decided to actually cut something for the holidays. There are limitations to the rotary axis since it is not a true 4 or 5 axis mill. In other words, if there is something sticking out of the model at an angle, the material below the object can not be cleared. In that case two sided milling would make more sense. I have really enjoyed this machine build, It is nice to have a stand-alone rotary axis and overall, it was not to expensive. I used two Cbeams, but I really feel one would have been enough because with the stepover rates I am using, there is not a whole lot of stress. So, If I were someone with a LEAD machine, I would do the High z mod. Then, for the price of the rotary axis and a piece of MDF (or aluminum) with slots cut in, or some t-track, you could build a rotary axis and easily place it underneath.

    To the project:

    I found this model by ejo on Thingiverse Santa Claus statue, supportless. by ejo

    I found piece of arborvidae branch with a suitable diameter. I used 38mm in Vcarve, but some areas were thicker than others. The length was 140mm. I always base my cutting on the cylinder center because my material is not even enough to zero on the cylinder surface. After importing the model, I rotated it on the z axis so the center point cam out the tip of his hat.
    upload_2020-12-13_13-29-23.png
    I added 3D pyramid tabs that - when stretched beyond the model - form cones at each end. By doing this, I machine away much of the waste material so it is not in the way of my collet when I plunge deep with my short 2mm ball nose end mill for finishing. upload_2020-12-13_13-8-11.png
    After roughing: upload_2020-12-13_13-9-59.png
    For finishing, I drew a vector (square box upper part of the image below) around the area I wanted finished. No reason to waste time finishing the tabs. After finishing:
    upload_2020-12-13_13-16-12.png

    Here is a video and some pictures. I am amazed at how smooth something is after running over it with either a 3.175mm or 2mm ball nose endmill at 10% stepover. I chose 2mm for this one because it was a smaller model and I wanted more detail.

    I finished off the area where the endmill could not reach between the legs with a drill and a scroll saw. Then I cut and sanded off the tabs.
    DSC_0394a.jpg
    DSC_0395 a.jpg
    DSC_0396a.jpg
    DSC_0397a.jpg
    DSC_0398a.jpg
    upload_2020-12-13_13-8-11.png upload_2020-12-13_13-9-59.png upload_2020-12-13_13-16-12.png DSC_0394a.jpg DSC_0395 a.jpg DSC_0396a.jpg DSC_0397a.jpg DSC_0398a.jpg upload_2020-12-13_13-29-23.png

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User Comments

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  1. Mark Carew
    So nice @Giarc thanks for the share the rotary axis really opens up some cool project ideas with all the STLs out there
      Giarc likes this.
  2. Alex Chambers
    I've ordered my 4th axis kit (Christmas present from me to me) so I'll continue to follow your progress - impressive so far!
    Alex.
    1. Giarc
      Thanks. When I get done modifying my existing CNC mill with a higher z, I may add another rotary axis to that as well. I think it would be easy to do.
      Giarc, Dec 13, 2020
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