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Post by vmrod on Jul 31, 2008 14:08:51 GMT -3
Rather than use a waterjet cutting service, I decided to fab most parts myself. I have found this to be very useful. 1. Call up the DXF files. Erase the title blocks and dimensional data. Add circle center lines. Add the part number in the middle of the part and also the metal gauge (thickness) Now print them out. 2. If you don't have a DXF file for a part, then make it in a Cad program (like above), then print it out. 3. Cut out your part along the outline. (You can leave the circles alone.) 4. Using spray adhesive, glue templates down onto the appropriate metal. (that's where the thickness info comes in handy ) Position your templates to maximize your material. 5. Using spring-loaded metal punch, mark the center of each circle to be drilled. (That's why you add center lines, makes this easy!) 6. Cut out part with metal cutting blade or side grinder. ***** Since the paper may get burnt or torn slightly during the cut-out process, I used the side grinder (with cutting wheel) and lightly traced around the paper template. This left a shallow mark on the metal for me to follow. I then proceeded to fully cut-out the part. (The paper template still remains about 95% intact.) Fabbing the parts is not hard to do! ;D
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Post by artificer on Aug 17, 2009 15:23:36 GMT -3
I call this my CAD-PAM method. (Paper Aided Machining) ;D
Michael
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