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Metalworking

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CNC

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Manual

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Bridgeport Mill

This page is maintained by Terri Talton.

From CAD to CAM

The Buildbotics controller is configured to use metric (mm) units.

Importing DXF in VCarve Pro

A DXF file doesn't specify workspace units. A 1" square drawn in millimeters will be exported as a 25.4 x 25.4. As of version 11, VCarve assumes DXF files are in inches.

  • Import the DXF file from your CAD drawing

  • Select all the imported entities and Join Vectors.

  • If needed, rescale the drawing by using Set Selected Objects Size in the Transform Objects group, check Link XY, and enter *i= in the Width(X) or Width(Y) at the end of the dimension. It will convert the metric dimensions automatically to inches.

Router

Getting Started

Our CNC Router is primarily used for woodworking but may be used to cut 1/8" aluminum sheets or 1/4" plastic sheets.

Information about our CNC Router is maintained in the Woodworking Section.

Plasma

This page is maintained by Terri Talton.

Feeds and Speeds

Aluminum

Tool
RPM
Entry IPM
Contour IPM
Z Step

5000

16

18

0.04

1/4" End Mill

4500

18

20

0.1

3/8" End Mill

4000

18

20

0.125

1/2" End Mill

3500

18

20

0.1875

Resources

  • https://littlemachineshop.com/mobile/speeds_feeds.php

  • https://www.bu.edu/epic/engineering-product-innovation-center/additional-information/lab-resources/

1/8" End Mill

Sheldon Lathe

This page is maintained by Terri Talton.

Sherline

This page is maintained by Alexander Cua.

This mill is on loan from Alexander Cua. Please reach out to him before using.

Getting Started

Max Travel: X200mm Y160mm Y160mm

Buildbotics Controller

This machine uses a Buildbotics controller and has a touchscreen and web interface. Toolpaths generated by , MasterCAM, or any other CAM software may be used as long as they are configured properly.

Preflight Check

  • Add a few drops of light machine oil to the two oil cups to ensure slides and screws stay lubricated while in use.

Spindle

10,000 RPM Pulley

Position
Speed

270°

340 RPM

0°

3300 RPM

90°

6280 RPM

180°

8900 RPM

Metalworking

VCarve Pro

Buildbotics Setup

Motor Configuration

  • Drive Current: 2

  • Idle Current: 0

  • Microsteps: 32

  • Max Velocity: 0.66 (520 rpm) [NEMA #23 Max: 530]

  • Max Accel: 8.826

  • Max Jerk: 50

  • Step Angle: 1.8

  • Travel / Rev: 1.27mm

Homing

  • Stall Microstep: 8

  • Search Velocity: 0.66

  • Stall Volts: 6

  • Stall Sample Time: 50

Stall Current: 0.2

  • Zero Backoff: 5