The Ship Model Forum

by **Timmy C** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:18 am

/wants screenies of CAD drawing

by **TommyL** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:17 am

I almost forgot.

The tool collision problems are still being figured out so those that are watching this thread will have to wait a while longer. As for the machine that I posted a picture of while I was upset is almost in working order now. A simple problem with the 24V contactor that feeds the axis servos is giving me fits.

One of these days I'll get everything sorted out and explain things more. I'll post a complete section of drawing/programing a model ship here and a section in RC and Scratch lacking the computer bull. Those that don't visit this section and only view the scratch side of everything might not care to sift through all this info. I assume they would just like to see the process of parts coming together to form a ship model and not images from a computer.

TommyL.

by **TommyL** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 12:00 am

Message removed in an attempt to keep this topic clean.

TommyL.

by **TommyL** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 7:49 pm

Well looks like I cant do

with this on till I go spend more money. Some important parts are missing so it will have to wait. Wait Wait Wait seems like thats all I've been able to do with this junk.

Here is the scrap iron I plan to use with stuff I draw and write:

TommyL.

by **TommyL** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 9:57 pm

Ok,

I'm still working on the tool collisions so that will have to wait a while longer.

Hopefully in a few more days everyone can see a cut piece. Just a few things to work out now such as wiring 220 single phase service to the machine,tinker with file transfers, buy some tooling holders, clamps and a few more goodies. This way I can atleast attempt to show what the CAM side can do for those that have never seen it. For those that already know I can bore the heck out of them or make them say, "Why did that idiot do it that way?!"

TommyL.

by **TommyL** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 5:05 pm

Hello again.

I've found multiple tool collisions while running the backplot simulation. To avoid this problem I aligned the model for the Z axis to clear machines spindle when it ramps down to cut into the part. Doing so fixed a few problems but some still remain. I think I have a solution that I'll try to post later on.

TommyL.

by **kennylibben** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 12:50 pm

by **ARH** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 12:22 pm

by **kennylibben** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 12:18 pm

your pathetic RN doesn't scare me, you deserted them and then they all broke up. Besides, i have a feeling Tommy would join the pirates if need be.

And you dont know the full story, Tommy threatens me if i say my models aren't that good... i'm only returning the favor.

by **ARH** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 3:22 am

kenny, dont be smacking tommy, or we will send in the RN,

by **ARH** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 3:21 am

Well Tommy, life can be so good when a plan comes together, nice to see you enjoying yourself and doing wonders at it, far beyond my capabilities, well son keep up the good work . dad

by **kennylibben** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 9:56 pm

shizenhauser!

A-Mazing Tommy!

And quit bashing yourself, you always freak-a-leak on me when for it so i'm gonna smack you if you dont stop!

by **TommyL** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 9:31 pm

Here is the model redone a little.

I managed to rotate the part for better viewing and programed for a smaller finish cutter. This will give a better surface finish.

I hope you guys can enjoy this as much as I do. This whole project has almost drove me to the mental hospital and hit my wallet hard. I'm so happy that this isn't looking like a waste of time anymore. Knowing this will help me so much at work. Maybe I can be a little more worth while. The machine shop I work for hired me on with no experience at running cnc machinery or cad/cam programing skills. On my first day about a year and a half ago they put me on their new mill that cost them a great deal.

This should also help me in my scratch modeling also. I have now real skills in modeling to speak of so I need a machine to do the work for me.

It may sound like I'm bashing myself and being Doctor Doom but its the truth.

Right now is a high point for me. In a section of the forum dominated by cad I'm honored to to bring in the cam side to make this section really cover what its name says, cad/cam.

TommyL.

by **TommyL** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 8:32 pm

More Progress!

Now for something even more complex. I have finally generated a 3D CNC tool path.

Here is the drawing in Solidworks. I messed up by setting everything up on the wrong plane. Since I choose the wrong plane it comes up wrong in MasterCAM. This would be fine if I had a VMC (Vertical Machine Center) with around 20" Z axis travel but I do not. My small Millport cnc on has 5" Z travel..........You will see below.

See the Z axis is running horizontal? Thats no good.

Here is the model rendered as a wire frame to generate a tool path.

See how hull section should have been laid on its side for a better tool path? Any way this part would be cut with a 1/4" end mill for the rough cut followed by a smaller 1/8" end mill. I chose to use smaller tools because I hate having to sand/blend so why not make the machine create a smooth finish.

I have yet to pick up my machine. When I do I can show actual pictures of automated milling in progress. For now the programing side I hope you all enjoy.........I know I do.

TommyL.

by **kennylibben** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 9:12 pm

cant wait to see some of your work!

by **TommyL** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 1:14 am

Hey,

I hope everything is still going well.

Anyway I have something new to share so here is an update.

I've finally got a good grasp on simple 2D machine programing. It will not work for doing a complex ship hull with all the convex curves but it's a start for now that should open the door for more complex stuff.

Here it is:

Atleast I can produce a keel, hull frames, basic superstructure, and decks.

TommyL.

by **TommyL** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:28 am

Yep Mark,

Im still learning in baby steps. The saying about crawling before running comes to mind.

I did find a tutorail disk that might be worthwhile..........not sure yet.

by **Mark Petersen** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 9:18 am

It's been a while since I wrote code for myself. G Code can be cumbersome at times but if you have a problem it can easier to figure out than a conversation programing system. Trust me I know from experience. When self teaching its all about small steps.

by **TommyL** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 10:56 pm

Only $1500.00 more to go Kenny but thats another post. I see this section is for CAD/CAM so I figured I would add some CAM samples in. Speaking of that here is an interesting free program I found a few nites ago:

http://www.mecsoft.com/Mec/Products/FreeMill.shtml
Available file imports include: VisualMill, Rhino, STL, VRML. Only works for Milling ( Free Mill )

I found some more stuff but its geared tward those that have machine tools to take advantage of the software.

TommyL.

by **kennylibben** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 6:59 pm

interesting, just yesterday i was wondering how things were going with machining...

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