Re: [ATM] Robo Glass Mill (Whooo Hooo :)

["James Lerch" <jlerch1@tampabay.rr.com>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael Lindner" <mikell@optonline.net>

> Wow! Way cool. That looks exactly like a machine I have on paper (no time to
> build it).

Thanks Mike, I guess that old saying of "Common problem, common solution" comes
to mind :)

I'm very much looking forward to finishing the curve generation software.  I
imagine having the ability to curve generate any RoC with matching tooling is
going to be rather handy!

> I've got a lot of questions...
>
> In that picture with the ball bearings in the little holes...is that the
> bearing race for the turntable, or does it serve another purpose (like
> indexing)?

That's the bearing for the turntable.  Basicly a 15" diameter "lazy suzane"
bearing, made from three pieces of Hardboard (same stuff pegboard is made from,
and I what I usually call masonite).  Two of the disks are used as bearing
races, and the third has all the holes drilled in it to keep the balls from
being slung out.

I used the same setup on my polishing machine, which has ~60hours on it now.
After recent disassembly for inspection, there was an indentation created in
both of the two masonite bearing surfaces, about 1/16" deep.  I expect as the
indentating gets deeper, the rate of formation will slow, as more surface comes
into contact with the ball bearings.

BTW, the bearing only supports the turntable, I rely on the motor shaft to keep
the turntable centered.  One benefit of this is there is no weight on the motor
shaft, only slight side loads.  Once assembled, the thing is absolutly rock
solid, with no wobble what so ever,  even with 230lbs of weight loaded onto it
for a ride.

> What is the speed of the turntable?

Variable, from 10 to 120 rpm.  The motor is driven by a software based PWM
implementation with a PID routine.  I can go below 10 rpm, but my poor PID
implementation starts to oscilate.  When I did the cut, I ran the turntable at
20rpms.

> Is that a "standard" angle grinder with the diamond wheel on it?

Yup, direct from Harbor Freight at a cost of $10us :0  BTW, My GOD is it noisey!

> What do you use to lubricate the cutter?

Water, lots of water!  Did you see the video?
http://lerch.no-ip.com/atm/Projects/Glass_mill_Med/First_Cut/MOV06563.MPG
(384Kb)

James

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