CNC Cut Controller Paddles v1: Difference between revisions

From Impulse Launch Systems
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 2: Line 2:
In August of 2023 We first cut fiver Controller Paddles on the CNC Machine. I had been hesitant to set this up because of the difficulty of clamping the work in place. <br/>
In August of 2023 We first cut fiver Controller Paddles on the CNC Machine. I had been hesitant to set this up because of the difficulty of clamping the work in place. <br/>
[[File:CutPaddles001.png|left]]  
[[File:CutPaddles001.png|left]]  
I finally worked out a method with a new cutting jig (base) fixture on the CNC bed. I use MDF to create jigs for clamping stock to be cut.I also fashion my own clamps to secure the work. Up until this point I had been using a cut paddle template; marking the outline with a big black sharpie and cutting on the jig saw. This was followed by a labor intensive and time consuming sanding/de-burring process. The results were not very uniform and I sometimes scratched or stained the parts in places.  
I finally worked out a method with a new cutting jig (base) fixture on the CNC bed. I use MDF to create jigs for clamping stock to be cut. I also fashion my own clamps to secure the work. Up until this point I had been using a cut paddle template; marking the outline with a big black sharpie and cutting on the jig saw. This was followed by a labor intensive and time consuming sanding/de-burring process. The results were not very uniform and I sometimes scratched or stained the parts in places.  


This new process produces uniform pieces with minimal cleanup. It is a two phase job. Once I switch the base into place on the CNC, I position and center the Polyethylene sheet and clamp it along the X edges. I run the first job, which pre-drills holes at positions where I placed threaded inserts in the jig. Once this stage is done, I insert M4 round-head bolts through the sheet to secure it in place for cutting the paddles. The next phase cuts the paddles.
This new process produces uniform pieces with minimal cleanup. It is a two phase job. Once I switch the base into place on the CNC, I position and center the Polyethylene sheet and clamp it along the X edges. I run the first job, which pre-drills holes at positions where I placed threaded inserts in the jig. Once this stage is done, I insert M4 round-head bolts through the sheet to secure it in place for cutting the paddles. The next phase cuts the paddles.
</div>
</div>

Revision as of 20:32, 16 August 2023

In August of 2023 We first cut fiver Controller Paddles on the CNC Machine. I had been hesitant to set this up because of the difficulty of clamping the work in place.

CutPaddles001.png

I finally worked out a method with a new cutting jig (base) fixture on the CNC bed. I use MDF to create jigs for clamping stock to be cut. I also fashion my own clamps to secure the work. Up until this point I had been using a cut paddle template; marking the outline with a big black sharpie and cutting on the jig saw. This was followed by a labor intensive and time consuming sanding/de-burring process. The results were not very uniform and I sometimes scratched or stained the parts in places.

This new process produces uniform pieces with minimal cleanup. It is a two phase job. Once I switch the base into place on the CNC, I position and center the Polyethylene sheet and clamp it along the X edges. I run the first job, which pre-drills holes at positions where I placed threaded inserts in the jig. Once this stage is done, I insert M4 round-head bolts through the sheet to secure it in place for cutting the paddles. The next phase cuts the paddles.