Not your average wood shop!

I wonder why they can't cast the faceplate at a non-ferrous metal foundry? It would be a lot less work than CNC machining a whole billet.
 
I wonder why they can't cast the faceplate at a non-ferrous metal foundry? It would be a lot less work than CNC machining a whole billet.

I don't think the numbers would justify something like that i.e. Aluminum Die Casting
It's the same reason why aerospace parts are machined in a similar fashion.
 
Fun to watch. I used to run those same machines but made aerospace parts and more. Also, castings are porous and more brittle than a solid billet and most likely don't have the same sound characteristics.
 
Fun to watch. I used to run those same machines but made aerospace parts and more. Also, castings are porous and more brittle than a solid billet and most likely don't have the same sound characteristics.

As you appear to have serious experience in this space, I do have a question for you:

Some time ago someone commented on those very Haas machines calling them equipment that no serious professional would use. That appeared odd to me.

Any view on that? Was there a point or was it just probably jealous competitor vendor ranting...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
As you appear to have serious experience in this space, I do have a question for you:

Some time ago someone commented on those very Haas machines calling them equipment that no serious professional would use. That appeared odd to me.

Any view on that? Was there a point or was it just probably jealous competitor vendor ranting...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

They have gotten better over time, but there are way better but more expensive equipment. For the tolorances required for a front baffle plate, it's fine. The main idea is the auto tool changer and coolant and being able to program any path and shape you want.

The first large mills I ran were Brown & Sharpe 48- tool changer, and you climbed up on the table to mount your parts and zero things out. I also ran CNC- Electrical Discharge Machines, EDM, both Sinker and Wire. I ran some of the first sheet metal cutting Lasers in the US, machines made in Switzerland. So many others also including Lathes.

I really miss all that but repetitive stress injuries took it's toll so I changed my career at 42.
 
They have gotten better over time, but there are way better but more expensive equipment. For the tolorances required for a front baffle plate, it's fine. The main idea is the auto tool changer and coolant and being able to program any path and shape you want.

The first large mills I ran were Brown & Sharpe 48- tool changer, and you climbed up on the table to mount your parts and zero things out. I also ran CNC- Electrical Discharge Machines, EDM, both Sinker and Wire. I ran some of the first sheet metal cutting Lasers in the US, machines made in Switzerland. So many others also including Lathes.

I really miss all that but repetitive stress injuries took it's toll so I changed my career at 42.

Very interesting, thank you for clarifying.

So it sounds like while better is possible, they are fit for purpose.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
It does look impressive and costly. Lots of material used to get that that final piece. Given the expense of the equipment, materials and low volumes one can see why these systems are as pricey as they are.
 
Back
Top