I have a small machining dilema

[Kevin McGrade]

Here is my dilema,

I have to machine a part 11" x 11" x 3/8" thick out of some 12" x 12" x 3/8" aluminum(T-6061).

 

There are some holes going through the part but there is some countersinks needed on one side and counterbores on the other.

 

I am need of a way to set this up in as simple and fast of a process as I can come up with. What is killing me is the machining of all 4 sides. I want to use a subplate instead of vices due to the size.

 

The only way I can come up with is using clamps on 2 sides then flipping the part clamping next to the already machined sides completing the other two.

 

I know this may be complicated to understand with my explanation but I figured what the hell I will se what you would do.

 

SO what would YOU do?

 

 

Thanks guys

[G Caputo]

Kevin,

More info needed... You are showing 11 x 11. Is that a scale size or a mic size? 1 part or multiple parts? Can the machine fit more than 1 part on it if you need to make alot of these? What kind of finish is it calling for on the perimeter? Can you get away with just cutting 2 sides and calling the other 2 finish as they are? Let us know.

 

Greg

[Jeremiah]

Kevin- Perhaps you could set it up on a riser and get a backchamfer tool for the countersinks and mill the counter bores from the top side? We have done this with a Parlec tool, I think there are several others though. Start with clamps on 2 edges, mill opposing 2, drill/mill all details. M00, change clamps to milled edges and final machine 2 remaining edges. Or have a manual op to counter sink backside holes while running the first op ??

 

just a thought

Jeremiah

[Kevin McGrade]

quote:

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Kevin,

More info needed... You are showing 11 x 11. Is that a scale size or a mic size? 1 part or multiple parts? Can the machine fit more than 1 part on it if you need to make alot of these? What kind of finish is it calling for on the perimeter? Can you get away with just cutting 2 sides and calling the other 2 finish as they are? Let us know.

Greg

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11.00 x 11.00 is what the part needs to be finished at Greg and there is no finish callout but I do need to machine all 4 sides due to the stock being ordered by a moron who owns the company

 

I have about 400 of these puppies to run, as for loading more than one part in the machine that is a possibilty that I am looking into. I was thnking maybe doing one side on the left of the subplate and the opposite side on the right of the subplate.

I was hoping to come up with something a little better though

 

 

[connormac]

Is there any way you can clamp down on all 4 sides. Drill the holes. Use the holes to put bolts or socket head cap screws in to hold down the part and machine the outside. That is how I have done it in the past.

 

Hope this helps in some way.

[Kevin McGrade]

quote:

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Is there any way you can clamp down on all 4 sides. Drill the holes. Use the holes to put bolts or socket head cap screws in to hold down the part and machine the outside. That is how I have done it in the past.

 

Hope this helps in some way.

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I have done this also with another company but the quality of help I have at this new company is terrible. I would give the guy 3 pieces and he would forget to remove the clamps and whamo!!

[G Caputo]

Kevin,

 

Personally, I would set up 2 vises with stops on the side to set the part if the quality of help is that bad. I'd just drill and countersink, on all the parts, 2 at a time all the first side. Then i'd set up a subplate and bolt them down with a washer in between the bolt head and the face to protect the surface. Drill, counterbore and perimeter all of them. Done. Just my opinion.

Beer o'clock,

 

Greg

[Kevin McGrade]

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