Keyways Machined in the Flex CNC

We're setting up our first customer job in the Flex cnc machine. While the machining itself is rather quick and simple, this was a great opportunity for some training using the flex. The long bed of this mill is what makes it really shine giving you ample room for large or long workpieces. I setup three machine vises to hold the shaft so that we could mill the keyways required for both ends. Follow along as you see me trying and learning new things!

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[spkrman]

My 0.02 and I am no pro.
1.
I would use g54 one end. G55 for the other. Any variation on height or location will be mitigated. Example. Dirt under the vice.

2.
Use a smaller endmill. Do a roughing pass, measure and then comp the finish pass. A smaller endmill will let the chips clear out on the return pass, more room and it will be less likely to chatter on the circular move at the end.

There are many ways to do the same job. I love your openness, Adam. Not easyvto do on the internet. Much respect 💯

[toast]

I just packed up my manual mill for sale. I brought my CNC for my home shop about 20 months ago and I have hardly used my mill since. I have got to the point that I can design, program and cut faster on my CNC than I could do the job on my mill. I have limited space so out it goes. CNC lath is next on my list. I have never worked in a machine shop in my life I'm fully self taught and by far learning to own, operate and program a CNC has been the most challenging thing I have done in my life. One thing I have learnt the hard way is a Carbide cutter hauling plenty of RPM shows absolutely no mercy. I am fortunate that I have not done any serious damage. You go ahead and take your time. Your discipline will save you thousands.

[jimyep]

You didnt learn old school way overnight. This will take time
but youll get it.👍👍👍

[alaspooryorick]

Watching the door on the tool changer slide shut with the noises of the air blast was like something out of star wars. This CNC stuff is such a can of worms. So many different parameters to keep track of. Great work Adam! Love it

[phildegruy]

Great job! Good to see you are learning and gaining confidence in your abilities. Coming from years of robot programming where the programs and operations are similar to cnc, once the program is proved after programming, no need to slow it down unless you made a major change. It will always go where programmed to go +/- the machine tolerance for repeatability. It's scary at first but trust the machine. Get used to using the right hand rule of orientation and stick it on the machine controller for a reminder. For better accuracy and easier fine tuning, make each end it's own work object. Then making a tune adjustment (on the left keyway say) has no effect on the other position(s) as you are doing a local adjustment not a global adjustment. For production, try to keep the up down spindle movements to a minimum for speed as well as at end. Try a move up enough to clear part then move to stop position. I noticed that there was up/down between rough and finish passes at each end which is probably not really needed. Turn off the coolant if you can when on long traverse of the part. Less to clean/dry off. If the production parts (shaft) length varies by a tolerance of x, make sure the cutter starts past that point and you won't have an issue if the part varies a bit or try plunge and go to the part end if the position where the slot ends is critical. Anyway, keep up the good work! Enjoying seeing you learn cnc.

[kevinreardon]

It's good to see the whole machine shop startup process. Also watching an expert machinist learn CNC is a gold mine in my book. I've been training myself for the last several years. I've had it build my machines as I don't have that much cash (just a hobbyist). But I have learned that there are only two types of CNC Machinists. Those that have crashed there machine and those who lie about never having crashed their machine <grin>.

[molitovv]

The beauty of CNC is that, the first one is the hardest, now you can do 100 more, way faster than with manual machines

[aarongarney]

Must feel wonderful……all those countless hours I of preparation, culminating in the first paid job for this new machine. Beautiful!

[SweetTooth]

Been a big fan of Abom and other machining channels for a long time. Really happy for him that his machining and YouTube careers have been successful enough to allow him to grow his shop and machine tools so much. He's got a serious high end machine shop going now.

[fredinit]

Adam, Been watching you since you were at Motion. Chips are chips. Be CNC, or manual. Best thing - you are getting to know both! Learning is a journey - not a destination.

[macjeeo]

Hi Adam, for years and years I am watching your videos. I love the way you are explaining every step of machining details. Your insane knowledge about machining is jaw dropping. In my opinion you are a very tough learner and eager to learn more about the new standerds of CNC machining. Love to see your meticulous learning curve, being cautious, step by step. Making first dummy cuts with your new machine is very wise. As a former nurse, I always worked with people, which is a challenge as well.
Your channel made me getting interested 0:06 0:06 in the machining industry. I am following lots of machinists on YouTube hahaha.
So keep on doing the good works, greetings from the Netherlands!

[josephcote]

Great starter production work. Not trivial, not too complicated. CNC machines are so smart now. The first one I ever saw in operation was the one my school had for the mechanical engineering students in 1982. Used a punched paper tape to load the cutting program. The demo they liked to give was cutting a small block of hardwood into a bolt. Was amazing to watch, I still have my 7/8" wooden bolt somewhere around here.

[markhgillett]

So happy to see your success. I remember how frustrating it was when I began programming imbedded micro controllers. The most important advice to you is patience and break away when you get frustrated, come back later with fresh eyes and clear mind

[Discretesignals]

Just amazing how quick the machine performs its instructions after all the time it takes to write those instructions. Thank you for taking us on your journey.

[frankcurley]

Transitioning between different machining styles is definitely a learning experience. Good luck to you on your journey!

[randymusselman]

Adam, 0.0005” tolerance in two planes over 12 ft in length, impressive!!

If you think about it, the FlexCNC model you has the benefit of an old school planer (thinking Steve Watkins’ Rockford) but the speed and efficiency benefit of CNC. Plus you can keep the work stationary relative to the cutter, larger workpiece, smaller floor space in the shop.

Great video, great work!

Thank you!

Randy

[ronnydowdy]

If you had did that job the regular milling machines you would have to turn the work piece around and it would have been hard to make the key way I n line.
Very precision with the Flex CNC.
Good job Adam. Looking forward to seeing more jobs and more chips lol.

[lesgaal]

Well done Adam it not easy when all of your working life you've done everything by hand and measure with a micrometer and block gauges. But remember the young Machinests have trouble trying to learn the old way of machineing. Step by step mate your doing fine. Australia

[JimWhitaker]

Great to see that first real job go so well.

[wazza]

I watch your videos for some time now. This time you had that genuine feeling of accomplishment I could tell. Because let's face it you've been there and done that with the manual side and this is something new. It's great to see. I'm 34 so I naturally started with cnc machines and very little manual machining. It's all good though!