6 vs 12

[kevin]

I want get a indexing head which is better
will manly be used in kitchens between 4 and 5 inches
i know that it will add more variety
to spend 3000 vs 6000 .What are the advanges
Picture below show what it will manily be used for
(#15102) 6" Rotary Indexing Head (for PRSalpha); PRICE $3,075

(#15104) 12" Rotary Indexing Head with planetary gearhead (for PRSalpha); PRICE $5,995


48983.jpg

[steve]

Kevin , I have a 6" indexer and find it will do most of what I want. The largest pieces I've done so far are coloums 8x8x64" in poplar , no problem. I want to do larger posts , say... 10" x 10' , for that I would like to have a 12" indexer. Here is a picture of some of the posts I do. These are 4x4x32"
48986.jpg

[myxpykalix]

beautiful stuff stephen. I love the basketweave how long does that take to make?

kevin depending on how/where you are mounting the indexer may determine the size you can use. I think a 6" indexer ought to do all you need to do.

[steve]

hi Jack , after the turning is done I think the weave takes about 7 hours with a 1/8" round nose and a .0075 stepover. The stepover could be increased for a shorter time.

[steve]

This is the quality of cut I get with an 1/8" roundnose bit and small stepover. This is a closeup of another panel , same weave.
48989.jpg

[navigator7]

Stephen,
In the creation of a file like your weave above, is it advantageous to create the pockets in the 3D model with a radius just a bit bigger than your 1/8" round nose bit?

Or ..... do you just take what you get as the ball nose can only deliver what it can deliver?

[steve]

Hi Jim , here are the Feed Rate, Plunge Rate, and Spindle RPM , 1.66 ips , .5ips , 15000rpm. I use artcam and these settings were picked by the software ( except the .5ips plunge). I don't think it ever goes at 1.66 , too many places to slow down.

[steve]

Chuck , I use the texture tool in artcam , you can determin the width of the weave and the size of the space between (if any). I assume in the relief the pockets have square corners , the bit , of course , leaves an 1/8" radius wich is OK with me.
48993.jpg

[kevin]

tahnks for the reposense
ive watched this form for a while the work is incerible
i will get a 6
i have 60 by 96 what is the best postion?
i hope apire2.5 makes it easy or artcam steep price

thanks for all posts

[steve]

Kevin , I have a 60x96 also. I have my indexer parallel to the X axis.
48997.jpg