Intermediate Adaptor Plates For Non-round Stock For A 3 Jaw Chuck

Machine Type:

Other Machine

Software:

Fusion 360 for CAD, Estlcam for CAM and control

Electronics:

Other Controller

Machine Time:

3 minutes

Bit or Laser Size:

Roughing and finishing - 1/4" end mill

Feeds & Speeds:

800mm/min, 1mm DOC, 500mm/min plunge

Materials:

6061 Aluminum plate

Why spend a lot more money on a 4-jaw chuck (if cutting soft materials) when an adaptor plate made from scrap aluminum will work for all shapes of work stock?

When I first started looking for a rotary axis for my lathe, I wanted a 4 - jaw chuck so I could easily put square material in it. But, I had a hard time finding one in a 100 mm diameter and when I did, it was about $75 more. Looking back on that, I realize a 65mm diameter rotary axis would have been just as good, but significantly cheaper. You can put in any diameter work stock with the adaptor plate- within reason. So, if you plan to add a rotary axis, save yourself some money. The gearing (6:1) is the same for the various sized head stocks. (50mm-100mm).

I did a quick drawing of a 3 hexagons with screw holes. I drew one inside the other to save time. I use Estlcam so I just pick which holes and outlines I want at the time I cut. I believe OpenBuilds CAM is the same way.


I had a piece of aluminum scrap left over from a mistake made in a plate I cut for some modifications to my existing CNC so I repurposed it. That is why one of the adaptor plates has a lot of extra holes.


I cut out the three different sizes, though since doing this, I only use the largest.

The largest one below has the extra holes.


The reason I prefer the larger one is I can grip the plate closest to my X zero point so no stock is wasted as shown below.



Here is a video of it in action. I had some cedar fence board scrap that I glued up into a block. I then used Vcarve Desktop to create the rotary tool paths. The mode was from Thingiverse: Tbuser's Poopin Gnome Tbuser's Poopin Gnome with hat by AuntDaisy Immature, I know. But, my wife found it funny when she saw it under her basil.