Flexarm RNR-20 Tapping Arm, Unboxing & Setup

I get our new FlexArm for the new shop unboxed and setup. This is the FlexArm model RNR-20 that has a pneumatic motor and has a capacity in steel of up to 7/8" or 22mm. Since the FlexArm is mounted onto a mobile cart we can use it anyone where in the shop that we need. At the time of the video I did not have our shop air system installed yet so once we do, we'll follow up later with some test cuts.
Visit the Flex Machine Tool website for details on this FlexArm and other machines they offer.

Visit my second Youtube channel where you can follow are travels, camping, RVing, cooking, and bbq!

[joshsassin]

Your new shop is really coming together nicely Adam. I've enjoyed watching your channel for years now. I hate to see the negative comments from those who didn't go out and make it happen like you have. At the end of the day, the shop and channel are your lively hood and putting food on the table is the end goal. If you've had sponsorships and patreon to help you get there...power to you brother. Keep it rolling.

[BigColton]

Am I the only one getting super impatient wanting to see a awesome massive project happen in this new shop?!?!

[TheGharper]

Being able to so easily square the head to the work surface with that magnet is awesome. You could leave the material in the Lathe or Mill and Tap it in place. That would save you having to change out so many heads in the mill and lathe while working on something.

[grntitan]

That size tapping arm would be super handy. I really like the pivoting head feature. Unlimited possibilities.

[omniryx]

Adam, you are the grand master of swapping equipment for endorsements. I say that as a compliment, not a criticism. Good work!

[pondafarr]

Ironic that you have to tap the threads on the thread tapping cart :D

[bobvines]

Adam, you should _strongly_ consider installing your airline around your shop to make a connected "loop." That will improve your overall airflow to everywhere in your shop. We did that in several Shops at work and it really helped.

(Putting on the "OSHA hat" I earned during my ~38-year career while implementing what our Safety Office [equal to OSHA] recommended/required), you might also want to install a second 30-psig loop for blowing off chips _and_ yourself since the full 100 to 120-ish psig can both damage your machines (blow chips under the wipers, etc.) and if you aren't already using "safety" nozzles, you could accidentally (worst case?) blow air right through your skin and put air bubbles into your bloodstream, which I was told can easily be fatal. I also discovered a safety air nozzle that not only blows as much as a regular nozzle, but cuts the noise level down by ~half, i.e., below where OSHA requires hearing protection. I'm not connected to them in any way, but their product solved a _big_ noise problem I had with one of the Shops I supported before retirement -- Exair's "Super Air Nozzle™" worked wonders for the Shop _and_ made life there and in the surrounding Shops & areas _much_ better without mandatory wearing of (double) hearing protection _all_ day.

[bitrage.]

It must be SOOO EXCITING getting new equipment... im exited just watching!

[mfc]

The crane sure makes life better. Hope you have many hours of safe tapping.

[brianmosher]

Thank you for the daily uploads! Abom day is a great day!!

[michaeldurling]

The jib crane has really been a blessing.

[Bob_Adkins]

What a great tool. I'll bet the factory has all the bugs worked out of the FlexArm from tapping all those 1/2-13 holes in the iron table!

[Wolfy_]

that feature with tilting the head is realy nice and usefull

[lbfishin]

Shop is filling up, looking forward to the work you will be doing there and what other machines and tools you plan to add.

[emasbury]

That's a mighty fancy "tap wrench" Looking good Adam.

[k.k.]

My shop has this exact one, and it is incredible and very useful for offline sruff and really opens up machines to move jobs thru faster...

[TJ-vkqk]

I’ve installed a lot of the smart pipe at our facility. Good stuff. Definitely clean.

[merlin]

Today must be flex-arm assembly day! That is exactly how I spent my afternoon today, setting one of these up. Not sure what model, the holes on the table are not tapped, and it came with a range of slip-fit posts for fixturing. I really like the bessy-type and lever style clamps that come with. Not sure if you knew this sir, but those collets have an adjustable clutch so you can't break a tap, a very nice feature. There should be an included spanner just for that purpose. Love the channel, greetings from Massachusetts!

[mikewieggers]

Nice little cart. Now you just need to head to HF to buy a small tool chest to fit underneath and hold all the taps, fixtures, and whatnot. Just a suggestion. Cheers!

[nils]

Regarding the one size fits all taps, I wish it were that easy.
There is ISO, DIN, JIS and probably a few others that are imperial and not in metric diameters. Some sizes are interchangable but a lot of them are not unfortunately.
I have 3 collets for M10, because for some reason every tap manufacturer uses a different standard.