I am setting up to cut gears using a 4 Vertex Rotary Table on my X2 Mill. Somewhere, in my research, I saw a picture of the same RT, clamped to a mill table using custom low profile clamps that nearly filled the slots on the Vertex and didnt interfere with either the RT table or the chuck that was mounted. I didnt think at the time to save the picture or ask the poster about it. Now I cant find it.
The clamps did not require the use of the standard clamping kit step blocks. They looked like an upside down stair case.
Anyone know where this design came from? Can I get a reference or even a sketch of the dimensions, please?
Thanks,
Chuck
I found the website I got the idea from, but it's in German, and I don't read or write German. I'm not that good in my native 'Merican English...
It's here"
http://www.metallmodellbau.de/GEAR-CUTTING.php
No link or indication to translate the web page or corespond in english with the author of the article. I can see the clamp I'm talking about in several views, so I'll just measure up my RT and see if I can make something like it!
Chuck
I found the contact info and sent an e- mail asking for more info on the clamps. I hope someone there can read English.
Chuck
Chuck,
Those look to be custom made for the table. The only dimension that would be important is the height of the step where it clamps on the table.
Tom
Although it looks pretty that clamp is more complicated than it needs to be and is weaker as a result. Not even thought of using Aluminium Alloy for clamps before but I suppose it should be ok if it's thick enough. Maybe I'll try Alloy next time I need to make something like that and see how well it works.
I was also thinking of using aluminum plate, but steel would probably be better.
Chuck
Case hardened steel works very well for tools like that. It's strong, easy to make and wears much better than aluminum.
Tom
I made mine from plain BMS but case hardening would be good if you have the option
Google says that
"Die jetzt sehr kleinvolumigen und kurzen Scheidenzylinder sollten sich trotz Härtung auf einem sauber rundlaufenden Schaft doch erheblich präziser benehmen."
means
"The now very small volume and short vaginal cylinder should still behave much more precise despite hardening on a clean round-speed shaft."