What is CNC Mill ?

Re: What is CNC Mill ?

JL

>A CNC mill is a Computer Numerically Controled mill. Can we say $$$? They are not cheap.

More on CNC mills

Fred in NC

>In addition to what JL said.

A CNC mill has a rotating spindle, much like a router or motor tool, which can move up and down. This is called the Z axis.

The object being milled can move side to side, which is the X axis, and front and back, which is the Y axis.

In addition, mills can be equipped with a rotary device that turns the piece (pen) on its own axis, so it can be milled around its circumference. This is called an A axis.

The computer usually runs a 'G code interpreter' that tells the mill how to move the axes. The G codes can be programmed manually, or derived from the output of a CAD program.

All in all, lots of money!

Computer Numerically Controled

Jorge Castaneda ~ Downeast Maine

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Re: Computer Numerically Controled

John Lucas

>Why would you use CNC when you can turn a finger goove with a spindle gouge in less time than it takes me to type this. John

Re: Computer Numerically Controled

Fred in NC

>There are CNC lathes and CNC mills. The CNC lathe amounts to a computer controlled DUPLICATOR. The CNC lathe is one step ahead of the duplicator since it can handle multiple tools. You can rough with one tool, and use other tools for finishing, coves, beads, etc.

There is no need for a CNC MILL when the design goes right around the piece. It can be done by hand, by duplicator, or CNC LATHE.

However, if you want to carve an elephant's head that is another question. You can carve one by hand or thousands by CNC. Depending on the complexity (and price) of the machine, and the number of axes, a CNC mill can duplicate much of the work done in ORNAMENTAL lathes.

Is it ART? The answer is hidden inside PANDORA'S BOX !!!

Re: What is CNC Mill ?

Craig Deere

>Thanks for everyone's response. I did make a pen with curves and a finger groove the other day using a spindle gouge and it worked fine.