D&E TEST STAND

Here is a test stand I have been working on so I can make prototypes of the modifications we have been discussing. I do not have a piece of plate for the bottom yet. I made it adjustable. It has inspection ports that can be used for measurements. It can also be used for test firing. I will be using the parts I have already made for experimenting> I will salvage what parts I can from the acid cloud. I will be making a new ggun and documenting the build and modifications.


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More pictures.


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When I got to the point of making the cutter I researched tool and cutter grinders. I decided to make the Bonelle. There are several uses for the t&c grinder in the ggun build. The extractor cutter, the thrust washer, other small parts. I consider it to be part of my ggun build. It is not complete, I need to finish the sheet metal guards and the final grinding of the spindle. Made on manual machines with no laughing at other people.


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While building the Bonelle I still needed a way to sharpen tools. I modified an X2 Mini Mill. A few pictures showing some of the modifications. This is the mill I posted about in the Machining topics. I also consider it a part of my ggun build. I changed the motor and the controller, added a cooling fan. Changed the spindle bearings to a better grade. Added DRO. Modified the lead screws. Added a spindle lock. Did a two speed belt conversion. Made a few accessories. I have the ball screw for the Z axis but have not added it yet. I have a few more modifications to do.


Mini Mill with tool holder.

 

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Three axis tool holder

 

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The column rotates 360 degrees, the head rotates 110 degrees.

 

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An air spindle for sharpening flutes. Works great, almost zero friction.

 

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A rotary table for sharpening radii. The tool holder has an x-y axis. It need to be improved.

 

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Very nice work indeed.    Some sort of test stand is almost a requirement for working on the gun.  

Is your air spindle a commercial unit or something you made?    I would love to have one but used commercial units are crazy expensive and I have only seen one homemade plan/project so far.

I have about 4 machines thus far that I \"justified\" for the gatling project so I relate to the side trips only too well.  Its a hobby for enjoyment anyways.

Steve I like your test stand, it would be quite useful to check a new cam profile to reduce cranking pressure.  I believe the ramp angle could be reduced to 35 degrees and your fixture would be an excellent way to test the idea.  Your cutter grinder is also very nice.  Where did you get the idea/plans to build it?

Frank

Roller,

This stand is an idea I have had since I first had the misfires.  Each point that I will test or modify is exposed so I can see the action.  I plan on using it to test all the modifications we have been discussing.      I just added the bottom plate.  I made it rigid so it could be used for test firing.  
When I made my first extractor cutter I had a lot of trouble getting the the radius correct.  I tried several machining setups but had the most success with a file on the lathe.  I googled \'cutter\' and found the Quorn Tool and Cutter Grinder.  I joined the group and got the plans for the Bonelle from there.  They are free.  I am just about finished with it.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/quorn_owners/

Roller,

Do you have a mini mill?  I went to Harbor Freight one day for a $10 band saw blade and came home with a several hundred dollar mill.  The mill was damaged and missing parts.  The people there just love to take the knobs and things off any machine Harbor Freight has.
I mention this because I think everyone should learn to sharpen their own tools.
I googled X2 and came up with much information.  Somewhere I read a question about \'if a mini mill could be converted to a t&c grinder\' and I thought I would try it.  Worked out well.  The Bonelle is much more involved and accurate.  Several accessories can be added.   When I finish the mini mill can be used for it\'s original purpose.

Do you have a shaper?  I really enjoy the sound and motion of a shaper.

Roller,


Four bolts in place, I blued the lugs. The lower one is starting to cock. Lots of room for experimenting.

I am going to disassemble and clean up the saw cuts.


A bolt removal tool.


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[quote name=\"Steve McKuhen\"]Roller,

Do you have a mini mill?  I went to Harbor Freight one day for a $10 band saw blade and came home with a several hundred dollar mill.  The mill was damaged and missing parts.  The people there just love to take the knobs and things off any machine Harbor Freight has.
I mention this because I think everyone should learn to sharpen their own tools.
I googled X2 and came up with much information.  Somewhere I read a question about \'if a mini mill could be converted to a t&c grinder\' and I thought I would try it.  Worked out well.  The Bonelle is much more involved and accurate.  Several accessories can be added.   When I finish the mini mill can be used for it\'s original purpose.

Do you have a shaper?  I really enjoy the sound and motion of a shaper.[/quote]
Wow a shaper!  I haven\'t seen one in 30 years.  I ran one in a job shop in 1965 but haven\'t seen too many since then.  I always liked the little South Bend 9\" shaper it looked like it would be the perfect little machine for a home shop.  I have an Excello 602 turret mill and a Colchester 13x40 toolroom lathe.  Both machines have paid for themselves with many subcontract jobs over the years.

Frank

Roller,


An Atlas 7B shaper





A Rhodes 3 1/2 x 7 Slotter

 

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I put pictures of the cam in the Modifying The Cam topics.