Small part designs are quickly and easily turned into working parts using the Sherline/FlashCut CNC
machine shop which I built and currently house in my basement.
Designs are made
using Autodesk Fusion 360, Draftsight (Autocad) and BobCad CAD/CAM programs.
Once a design is made in
the Fusion 360 3D Modeling part of the program, the CAM portion of the
program is opened to develop how the part is to be cut out. Toolpaths are
determined and the CNC program is generated.
Programs are
then copied to a flash drive and transferred to the lap top computer driving the
signal generator and motor controller for the milling machine and the lathe.
In addition to the installation of CNC controls, I developed hardware to allow the
use of the manual axis hand wheels tied to a Sherline Wettroth Digital Readout
Module. This addition also allows the machine operator to verify the location
of the cutter displayed on the computer screen with the digital readout module.
Tolerances of the cutting system are within +/- 0.001 inches of specifications especially
with the construction of jigging for multiple unit production. These were achieved
while making parts for fuel shutoff systems for high performance model control
line combat aircraft.
The system will make rough cut passes on steel parts
up to 0.020 inches deep at over 5 inches per minute, which is quite impressive for
such small machinery. Carbide cutters and rapid tool changes are also now part
of the package.
On the lighter side, the system is great for making wooden toys
and game pieces. In developing my skills in operating these machines, I have been using
a carpenter's profile gage to copy game pieces where the old set had missing pieces.
The gage in use with a dial caliper allows for quick recording of game piece dimensions,
which are easily digitized for production of cutting programs. I started this practice
with Skittle Game tops and pins. I have been experimenting with the top designs to
give them extra "wallop" using heavier woods and bigger pin crushing dimensions.
In addition to making and selling high precision prototypes, I plan to sell other items with
this site, including my own custom made games.
I finished building an electric metals melting furnace to replace my old gas fired furnace.
I have cast dozens of golf putter heads, various machine parts, and an Aluminum Travel Chalice
for my uncle, a Jesuit Priest.
For further information, I can be reached by e-mail at
patsprotos@gmail.com or
by phone at (509) 413-9698. 
Skittles Top cut out by Lathe
Slim Vise cut out by Milling Machine
And always remember, use safety glasses when using power tools, and use more extensive
full body protection when working with molten metals.
Thank You,
Patrick Moreland