Aluminium CNC log.

[Jonathan]

One large piece is best, otherwise the rails will twist.

Try www.aluminiumwarehouse.co.uk

Imperial dimensions are more common, so you're after about 7"x3/8"... these are the nearest:

http://www.aluminiumwarehouse.co.uk/...ducts_id=29030

http://www.aluminiumwarehouse.co.uk/...duct_info.html

[jcb121]

Pictures!
Attachment 4591Attachment 4590

I've milled most of the big blocks of alu in college so the edges are straight.

Just need to start mounting everything and it will soon be done :D

The Mill in college is complete crap, there is a MM of backlash on the X axis! really screws up my work :(

The Y is ok though.

Some of I2I's masterclass machining above.

[Jonathan]

Looks like a good start :)

The Mill in college is complete crap, there is a MM of backlash on the X axis! really screws up my work :(

1mm of backlash is mildly annoying, but it really doesn't affect the results when using manual milling machine. Unless of course you're not compensating for it / locking the slides if necessary?

[jcb121]

you can lock the slides? D:

annoying when you are on your 3rd attempt of work and the line you are doing suddenly turns into a nobly line.

[m_c]

Looking good.

Pictures!
The Mill in college is complete crap, there is a MM of backlash on the X axis! really screws up my work :(

Only a poor workman blames their tools ;-)
Every one of my manual machines has play, it's just a case of learning how to deal with it!

[Jonathan]

m_c ... looks like we're of the same mind - our last posts are virtually identical!

My mill has about 0.45mm backlash on X and 0.3mm on Y and it's no problem when using the machine manually. You just make sure to if it's a bigish cut lock the slide that your not moving, and when you move that slide to the required position compensate for the backlash by approaching the point in the same direction. You will also generally want to use conventional, not climb, milling.

you can lock the slides? D:

annoying when you are on your 3rd attempt of work and the line you are doing suddenly turns into a nobly line.

Look for some thumbscrews that apply pressure to the gib strips to lock it. Don't move the other screws on the gib strips ...

[jcb121]

It's all working :D!!!

but it's too late to do anything :(

big thanks to 2e0poz and i2i, Couldn't have done it without you guys!

[Jonathan]

but it's too late to do anything :(

Mine's currently running .. it's never too late!