UNIMAT TOOL POST

MINI-DICKSON

(june 07... ) (paused )

Things are getting serious here. I have bought few months ago a super quick change tool post (dickson style) made by ALGRA italy.

Since I have loved the algra QCTP I want to make a MINI (micro) version of the original algra to be mounted on the emco unimat lathe!!

The project starts with a sketch, dave style!!

the main body of the turret is gonna be 30 x 30 mm square and 25 mm tall!! (MINI MINI MICRO.....)

Have you Imagined how impossible is to create the same number of holes, slots, as the original algra QCTP onto a 30 * 30 * 25 mm metal bit ??

ahah, I think this is for me like a challenge with myself, to prove me that after one year of machining I am able to create almost everything!!!

Right, stop talking bullshit, and let's start getting a gross sized block off a scrap C40 steel block

the second step is to remove the excess of material using a hitachi cco roughing mill, and plenty of coolant.

check out the video too...(7,3 mb - avi)

in the mean time I read on the computer the cutting speeds and feeds for the bit I am gonna machine with the SECON OCTOMILL 80mm..

The secon software is available at SECO website. it is really usefull for me!!

correct feeds and speeds, plus colant and a touch of magicpowder makes super flat surfaces!! check it out.

I love my octomill!!!!

the bottom end of the tool post is roughed a bit to improve face grip onto the lathe compound top surface.

yoyo, a nice 30 x 30 x 25 cube (isn't a cube I know!!) is made. I have made it trying to be more precise that I can be because I like to create perfect things.

I know that 0.06 or similar error on the surfaces parallelism isn't a big deal but I got 0.02 or less, I am happy!!!

back on the mill, to start the main task: the photo shows the first 5 drills made, which are a center axle hole , the alighing hole and the three pistons camlock sittings.... I had to buy a 5.3MM drill to make them!!

October 2007 update:

I have started to machine the sides on the main QCTP. First step as usual is to align the vise on the mill.

and aligned the center using the laser center finder. don't forget to spin slovly the center finder to avoid any rotaging error during the alignment process

I have cutted two slots witha 4mm endmill.

and bored the main piston sitting, with the new 9.5mm endmill.

now, I am sad to write that I have just machined the two front V shape slideways, and once done I have discovered that the countersink used IS NOT 90° REAL, BUT IS A STUPID 95-100° IRREGULAR SHAPE CUTTER.

THIS FUCKED UP MY MINI ALGRA QUICK POST, I am so sad now!!!!

The project is paused until I start it again, the current turred body is damaged by this stupid 90° non true cutter!! I will need to re-make the whole body, and once done I am gonna buy a professional 90° end mill. fuckoff all these countersink!!!!!!!

I AM SAD!!!