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farbe2

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 3, 2018
Messages
298
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63
What do you charge for these small parts? I do (hobby - beginner) machining myself but find it quite time-consuming. I assume you only use manual tools? (non CNC)
So i think these parts would be very expensive if i would take a guess around >30USD for one of these round pins.

As for your RGB project, check out my driver + software RGB controller. (and my RGB handheld for inspiration if you like)
It could be the smallest currently available. Capable of driving a >3W RGB pointer with different modes from 2 18650 cells. I still have some for sale. Here
I would be very interested to see what you do. I imagine someone with years of experience machining would come up with something very nice.
 
Joined
Jun 4, 2011
Messages
137
Points
28
What do you charge for these small parts? I do (hobby - beginner) machining myself but find it quite time-consuming. I assume you only use manual tools? (non CNC)
So i think these parts would be very expensive if i would take a guess around >30USD for one of these round pins.

As for your RGB project, check out my driver + software RGB controller. (and my RGB handheld for inspiration if you like)
It could be the smallest currently available. Capable of driving a >3W RGB pointer with different modes from 2 18650 cells. I still have some for sale. Here
I would be very interested to see what you do. I imagine someone with years of experience machining would come up with something very nice.
I made system that allowed me to machine multiple parts with 1 operation, i.e. turning the diameter for 10 parts at a time then the smaller diamter, chamfer & parting for each part. saves a lot of time vs making a whole part 1 at a time. for the stainless bracket parts I machined the outside dims, & holes for 25 at a time then precisely parted them off. For some of these you could complete with CNC especially if they are fixturing 1 at a time. Ultimately though I will probably end up going in that direction if the work is there.
 

farbe2

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 3, 2018
Messages
298
Points
63
Do you also grind custom form tools for these small lathe parts? Could be a good solution to make pins with 2 diameters and part them off at the same time. But would only be timesaving if you needed to make many.
 
Joined
Jun 4, 2011
Messages
137
Points
28
Do you also grind custom form tools for these small lathe parts? Could be a good solution to make pins with 2 diameters and part them off at the same time. But would only be timesaving if you needed to make many.
You would be trading time for precision trying to part at the same time as turn a diameter. Not sure how precise that would be. Those pins had to hold .0003" (3 ten-thousanths) for a press fit. One thing I learned is time saving meathods only work if you don't end up scrapping the parts!
 

farbe2

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 3, 2018
Messages
298
Points
63
Yes you are right on the tolerance part. This method would only be usable for non critical parts.
I was think you got it the wrong way around. I was thinking of a grind like this for example:
form tool.png
This tool would face the front of the part and simultaneously form the diameter and features along its length.
The next op would be moving the tool to the left and plunging in. This would part the finished part off and also face and form the next part.
This should be good for precision as long as one could grind the tool accurately and the material does not deflect too much because of the high tool engagement.

I think Its a neat idea. I picked that up watching and old machinist do its thing. He manufactured multiple small bushings this way. Drilled trough beforehand of course.
 
Joined
Jun 4, 2011
Messages
137
Points
28
Yes you are right on the tolerance part. This method would only be usable for non critical parts.
I was think you got it the wrong way around. I was thinking of a grind like this for example:
View attachment 74587
This tool would face the front of the part and simultaneously form the diameter and features along its length.
The next op would be moving the tool to the left and plunging in. This would part the finished part off and also face and form the next part.
This should be good for precision as long as one could grind the tool accurately and the material does not deflect too much because of the high tool engagement.

I think Its a neat idea. I picked that up watching and old machinist do its thing. He manufactured multiple small bushings this way. Drilled trough beforehand of course.
That would work for some applications where the diameter is not critical. When parting it is not very predictable when the remaining material will break off as it gets extremely thin. Even with light tool engagement. Therefore you don't know exactly how close the cutter is and the diameters will vary by a few thousandths from part to part.
 

farbe2

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 3, 2018
Messages
298
Points
63
I think i did not make it clear: (or i dont understand)

The diameter if formed first.
Parting happens at the last operation where the diameter would already be formed exactly.

The parting blade part of the form tool is on the right most side.
Therefore at the first operation would form the part in its entirety but dont part it off.

The second operation would be moving the tool left (closer to the lathe chuck) and then plunging.
This operation would part off the first part thats formed at the first operation while cutting the diameters (and facing) of the second part. The first part will break off with a little stem left (unpredictable as you say) but the first part would already be to exact dimensions length and diameter wise.

You would still have a little nubbin that you would need to remove.

Tool grind needs to be exact to form the right diameters (if there are multiple).

But i think the variability in the diameter should be quite small, after all, its just a form tool operation which would be the same with every other part.
 
Joined
Jun 4, 2011
Messages
137
Points
28
I think i did not make it clear: (or i dont understand)

The diameter if formed first.
Parting happens at the last operation where the diameter would already be formed exactly.

The parting blade part of the form tool is on the right most side.
Therefore at the first operation would form the part in its entirety but dont part it off.

The second operation would be moving the tool left (closer to the lathe chuck) and then plunging.
This operation would part off the first part thats formed at the first operation while cutting the diameters (and facing) of the second part. The first part will break off with a little stem left (unpredictable as you say) but the first part would already be to exact dimensions length and diameter wise.

You would still have a little nubbin that you would need to remove.

Tool grind needs to be exact to form the right diameters (if there are multiple).

But i think the variability in the diameter should be quite small, after all, its just a form tool operation which would be the same with every other part.
OK I see what you are saying, that would probably work for the right application, with the right grind. Cheers
 
Joined
Jun 4, 2011
Messages
137
Points
28
Teaser for next project. Designed in CAD & printed, next step is machining parts.
 

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405nanoMatt

Active member
Joined
Sep 9, 2019
Messages
158
Points
43
What do you charge for these small parts? I do (hobby - beginner) machining myself but find it quite time-consuming. I assume you only use manual tools? (non CNC)
So i think these parts would be very expensive if i would take a guess around >30USD for one of these round pins.

As for your RGB project, check out my driver + software RGB controller. (and my RGB handheld for inspiration if you like)
It could be the smallest currently available. Capable of driving a >3W RGB pointer with different modes from 2 18650 cells. I still have some for sale. Here
I would be very interested to see what you do. I imagine someone with years of experience machining would come up with something very nice.

How much for the driver and software ? I have been wanting to make an rgb it’s the only way I can afford 1 .
 

Unown (WILD)

Well-known member
Staff member
LPF Site Supporter
Joined
Sep 4, 2020
Messages
1,368
Points
113
Not sure who this is directed to, but just to be clear I am not selling drivers or software.:cool:
He was asking farbe2 obviously. Your ban is for 3 days for the reason given. Don't harass me in pm again. You elevated the situation after it was dealt with. I'm sorry it had to come to this but next time think before you speak. Thank you.
 




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