The first “real world” project on the Pocket NC was to create 2 replacement Oilite bushes for the mains powered Synchron motor in a 1940’s Kit Cat Clock.
A second attempt at the tutorial from Penta was reasonably successful.
The first attempt was most definitely not: the collet I used didn’t tighten up on the workpiece enough and the workpiece moved towards the mill during the operation. As I looked on in awe at the increasing size of the chips without thinking to intervene, the mill eventually plunged into the workpiece which then moved and snapped the mill. I have video but won’t publish that… As I said: not successful, beginner chips 🥹
Over a long duration I finally constructed the Pocket NC enclosure. And now after an even longer period of time I am posting about it.
Features include:
- (reasonably) soft close/open with gas struts
- high visibility with clear perspex on four sides
- elevated mounting of Pocket NC to allow longer stock in the ER40 collet
- enclosure open signal integration with Pocket NC
- internal iPhone mount for video recording of CNC sessions 🤓
- integrated LED lighting
- lighting partially switches off when opening to avoid blinding the user 😎
Before getting serious with the Pocket NC V2-50CHK, I want to build an enclosure for it. Although there is one available to buy commercially, I wanted to build a custom one myself that has:
- more vertical clearance underneath the B axis so that I can use longer stock in the ER-40 collet
- excellent access to the machine when open
- excellent visibility of the machine when closed
- built-in LED lighting
The first chips have been produced on my new pride and joy, the Penta Machine’s Pocket NC V2-50CHK!