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CNC Handplane

7K views 10 replies 6 participants last post by  sandhill 
#1 ·
CNC Handplane - Failure #1

Didn't Thomas Edison discover a 1000 different ways NOT to make a light bulb? I figured I have 999 more attempts to make a hand plane with my CNC before I start getting discouraged, by that measure.
My plans are to make a wooden hand plane with my CNC router. My plan is to cut a few prototype bodies just to make sure I have all my toolpaths 'dialed in' where they should be. This phase will also tell me if my equipment is up to snuff. (I already learned that I will probably need to get some longer mills. Maybe 4 inchers)

I also need to make a consistent method for attaching the blank and then being able to machine the entire outside and inside of the body. I devised a plate made from MDB (in the picture) with T-nuts. I then drill the blank slightly long, counter bore the holes to take 1/4-20 hex screws of varying lengths, depending on the piece. This part is working pretty good so far.

Now, the first body is probably not even a good shape for a plane but this was about getting the equipment performing the way I expect. That piece is nearly 8 inches long (not including the hold downs). Everything started pretty good. I used a 1/2 inch end mill for the first roughing pass. I had planned a 1/4 inch end mill for a 2nd roughing pass but opted against it. This is where I made the mistake. As I was running a relief cut with a 1/4 inch ball nose, I 'dragged' the bit and lost a few 'steps'. This cause my X axis reference to be off. This is evident by the 'stair-steps' inside the pocket (they should have been removed) and the ridges on one end. Regardless - This is failure #1 and it provided some valuable lessons for me. As long as I make progress, I don't mind messing up. This is gonna be fun!

P.S. Once I get my workflow and equipment dialed in, would anyone be interested in doing some trading of services? I'm offering some CNC services for plane iron. (Preferably, if you can make your own and they are thick). I could probably cut saw handle blanks really easily. Jig templates, etc. Name it. (As long as its smaller than 12X20. :)
Thanks guys!

Here are some pictures and video of the fun.

1/2 inch end mill - 1st roughing pass


Failure #1 in all its glory!


Video of the 1st roughing pass.
http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377

Here is a video of the relief pass. It was messed up a bit at this point but I think it's cool watching things take shape.
http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377
 
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#3 ·
Not as much time as you might think. I think I had about 30 minutes in creating the 3D model and generating the toolpaths. Total time to make the cuts was another 30 minutes, and that included switching bits 3 times and 'double-checking' my alignment. This piece of wood was a bit narrow and I generated the toolpaths based on the actual size of the piece. The next time I do it, I'll have it based on a wider workpiece so it will generate multiple passes when milling the outside of the sides. That is where my 1/4 ball nose dragged and, had I used a 1/4 end mill for a 2nd roughing pass, I probably would not have had the problems.

I'll be trying another one tonight. I'll definitely be keeping everyone updated on this project. Once you have your toolpaths set up for an item, repeating it several times is easy.

Who wants a hand plane body? I'll probably be giving them away after a while!

Thanks guys,
 
#4 ·
Great first attempt!
for 1 hour time investment I think the results are remarkable….I'd be happy!
I think the machine saves a lot of time in the traditional planemaking process, removing waste material, but the fine work, mouth fitting, must be made still with hand Floats…....or…. are you planning to do this with the machine as well?
Does the machine head rotate to different angles or does it works at the same 90 degrees all the time?
Looks like I need the same machine with steel applications!
 
#6 ·
Plan B

After several failed attempts, I have development a new strategy for the CNC hand plane. The travel on my Z axis was making things a little too 'tight' for comfort and would drastically limit the flexibility in designs. This one should also allow a whole lot more of that. I'm curious to know what anyone's thoughts might be. Please leave a comment, drop me a PM, or shoot me a mail. I would love to get some collaboration going too if anyone is interested.

Here are the initial models I've created.

1# The basic concept. The overall shape could be modified to suit just about anything you could imagine. The joinery for the laminations will also involve having the CNC drill holes (Visible or invisible from the outside. My/Your choice) through the layers to make assembly simple with dowels or rods. (Hole placement has not been added to these models yet) I've also planned to mill 'cheeks' to allow for more ease of alignment of the components.



2# Exploded. This is just an exploded model to show the various components that would go into creating 'CNC Hand Plane Version 2'.


3# This is the actual model that would be imported into my CAM software to generate the toolpaths I'll need for milling. I though about using thicker wood to limit the amount of slices but with this model, I should be able to make everything from 3/4 inch stock.

 
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