Dovetail fixtures

[cedric....@gmail.com]

Could a dovetail fixture like this one work with the V2-50? Is this a good idea? Are there more suitable dovetail fixtures on the market?

5th Axis DM12: https://www.ymttooling.co.uk/workholding/5th-axis-workholding/5th-axis-dovetail-fixtures/dm12-dovetail-fixture

[Graham Stabler]

Hi Cedric,

Before I got the pocket NC I thought the same thing, I even emailed 5th axis in case they were interested in making something specific to the PocketNC but didn't get a reply. I did end up buying one and have recently been using it with great success:

https://www.instagram.com/esotechnic/

I made a reversible mount for it so it could be used in a low, maximum stock mode or a higher, full 5-axis mode. I am more than happy to share the model for the adapter.

Tonight I was actually considering making my own "DM6" a half sided version of the DM12 because a lot of the parts I make are really tiny. I may actually make a simple fixture based on how DTI holders work that will fit into the DM12.

Cheers,

Graham

[cedric....@gmail.com]

Very cool! This is good to know. Please do share the model for the adapter.

[Graham Stabler]

You can download the file here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8rfqun1ajsiovbf/DM12%20mounting%20block%20shared.SLDPRT?dl=0

It is a solidworks file but should be openable in Fusion too. You can download the CAD for the DM12 on the 5th axis website.

Cheers,

Graham

[cedric....@gmail.com]

That's a clever design! Your instagram pics help show how it's used. Thanks!!

[Mike Henry]

Thanks for uploading the adapter file.  FWIW, it imports just fine into Onshape as well.  That may come in useful when I get a PocketNC.

[cedric....@gmail.com]

@Graham Stabler Did you machine the mount with your Pocket NC?

[Graham Stabler]

No I used my old Datron M3 router.

I have a VMC I am setting up currently so there is a chance I will make a few of these available in the future.

Cheers,

Graham

[cedric....@gmail.com]

Ok, good to know. I would possibly be willing to buy one off you. But would it be possible to make one with a Pocket NC? My V2-50 is about to arrive in the mail, so I'm not yet familiar with it.

[Graham Stabler]

I don't see why not, I made mine from 15mm cast tooling plate, you need to machine from both sides so a fixture would be required.  Before you rush to do anything you also need to consider how you would prepare the dove-tail stock. I have not found any suitable cutters that would fit in the pocket NC so you might need to use another machine. I did wonder if an v-bit with a 45 degree included angle could be used but I didn't look into it further.

Also note that the Pocket NC vice can be used for certain dovetail like work, either with the grub screws or perhaps with countersunk screw heads which could engage with a dovetail.

It all depends what you want to make. I am very happy with the DM12 but it was a lot of money for what I am doing and I do wonder if I should have made something similar but not quite as fancy.

Cheers,

Graham

[cedric....@gmail.com]

Yes, I'm aware of the need to machine the stock - I have access to manual mills. It's also apparently possible to buy dovetail machine-ready blanks: http://tciprecision.com/machine-ready-blanks/dovetail-machine-ready-blanks/

Thanks for the suggestion about possibly using flat head screws with the Pocket NC vise. I'll look into that. But it sounds like the 5th Axis DM12 might be worth the expense for me.

[Graham Stabler]

I too watched the NYC CNC video :)

Graham

[cedric....@gmail.com]

They're great, aren't they? :)

[cedric....@gmail.com]

Hi Graham - Are you still considering making some DM12 mounts with your VMC? I would really appreciate it and I'm sure there a few others who would also be keen to buy one.

[Graham Stabler]

I am, not sure when. They are fairly simple but I would need to work out the op2 work holding. Let me give it some thought.

Graham