Precision Routing

[dfegley]

I have been researching small CNC routers and kits. The Shark Pro Plus seems to have what I am interested in. I joined this forum to get all kinds of feedback from users. I would need to add some sort of clamping devise for repeat locating of parts. My project is fairly simple, requiring a channel routed in a 1" square block with a part of the created wall removed to create an opening in the front of the block. A lid is added which pivots at one end and is held in place with rare earth magnets. This is fairly simple but must be acurate. One concern is blowout, which I experience with my current process using some jigs and a router. Simple for the Shark, right?

[Buc]

I'm not saying this would be an easy task for the shark, but I am quite sure it could be done. I would have to see a picture or drawing to be sure.

[Bob]

Hi dfegley,
This is one of the methods I use for repetitive cuts. If you have problems with blowout just have that portion facing one of the stops on the fixture.

Bob

[Buc]

Bob,

Great idea and pictures of home made fixtures. Thanks. Much better looking than the one I cobbled up.

Buc

[jeb2cav]

Bob - thanks for sharing the pics of how you do this task - and the great jig you made.

[Buc]

here is a follow-up link to Vectric forum for cam clamps. http://www.vectric.com/forum/viewtopic. ... &hilit=cam

[Bob]

In my previous post I did not give credit to the person who designed the cam clamp pictured in my fixture. I tend to forget that even though I did credit him previously in another thread, http://www.cncsharktalk.com/viewtopic.p ... 3&p=84#p84 I should do it here as well.
The designer is at this address and wrote a neat article on how make the cam clamp:
http://www.shopbotblog.com/index.php/20 ... riend-cam/



Bob

[dfegley]

Thanks! Those clamps look like a good idea. I have used the bar clamps with the wooden jaws in a similar fashion. The moveable jaw has a cam lever which puts pressure on whatever you are holding. I screw the fixed jaw to a spoiler board with a thin shim underneath, which allows the moveable jaw to slide.The bar clamps are sold by Lee Valley. I believe they are made by Klisma, or something like that. So if you are not carving, do you create a drawing on the computer? How do you program the dimensions? Thanks for the help and info. I really would like to try this machine out. Dave

[Bob]

Dave,
I like the cam clamps because they are easy to make and very expendable. Use brass or aluminum hardware because you will run the cutter into them eventually.

When I started creating drawings using VCarve, I used their sample programs and modified them to suit my needs. I also imported jpg drawings and converted them or drew over them as a guide.
There are also many shared designs here and on the vectric forum. Also check out other cnc forums online.
Bob

[Flankmanoman]

Is the Shark Pro Plus controller A FANUC based controller?
Thanks guys,
Tony