Channel Trailer - All things DIY, Machining, Repairs, Design, RF (Ham Radio) and other things of interest. I try to share what I can about things that come up and projects I’m working on.

Machining some test 6061 aluminum with flowing coolant. Everybody is a hero in aluminum. It’s taken about a month or so to go from purchase of the VMC to actually making parts in the home shop using my “spare” time. A bit of loc-line adjustment and the tools to work with loc line. #firstchips #cncmill

The way I setup positive tool offsets using the spindle face as the makeshift gage line. This is on a Fanuc OM based Excel VMC.

Just a quick video of testing going from CAM software to a DNC controller (USB Stick) to the mill (Fanuc OM).

First chips and using the Ausys Titan DNC controller via RS-232 for drip feed, programming, and downloading parameters.

After a late night, I resolved the automatic tool changer issue and it’s working as it should now. Back to cutting chips.

Troubleshooting one of he last items on my check sheet before machining. The automatic tool changer.

I hooked up three phase power from an American Rotary AD-20 phase converter to the new to me Excel PMC vertical cnc mill. Repairs were made to the machine’s door slide and inital Fanuc troubleshooting of a servo drive error ended up being a fiber optic cable that had disconnected during shipping.

Moving a VMC Vertical CNC Mill with steel bars. The VMC is a Excel PMC series mill with Fanuc 0M controls. This replaces my old smaller VMC (HAAS Mini Mill) with a new to me larger model. I moved this mill single handed once in the shop. A rollback wrecker did a great job doing the local transport to my shop floor.

Installation of an American Rotary AD-20 Phase Converter for my VMC CNC Mill upgrade.

Just a quick overview of prep and the early spring trip to Windrock Park. I completed the Dual Band Radio install, did some work on the toyhauler and tires for the truck before the first big trip of the season to WindRock park. We all had a great time and hope to make it back sometime in the fall if not sooner.

PRP Harnesses are installed and I also do some last minute details on prep of the RZR for the first season trip including the new UTV/Offroad TYT TH-8600 Weatherproof Dual Band Radio. Fits perfect in the RZR with included mounts. Cheaper clutch cover removal tool from amazon links to all products below. TYT TH-8600 Radio - http://amzn.to/2D5xf0i Clutch Cover Tool - http://amzn.to/2yD3WR9 Kimpex Storage Box - http://amzn.to/2g9S2GV Lock and Ride Mounts for Kimpex Box - http://amzn.to/2ydjbP6 Dual Band Antenna - http://amzn.to/2y941ch UHF Cable NMO Mount - http://amzn.to/2y9cJqR Seat Belt Sensor Override - http://amzn.to/2xwqmyf