cnc drilling machine questions and answers

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How accurate is the DrillmasterCNC?

Answer - The DrillmasterCNC can place holes within a tolerance of .0015" (1 1/2 thousandths). Drilling depth accuracy is approximately .00025".

What kind of bearings support and guide the machine?

Answer - The machine rides on a three point support system comprised of 1" hardened and sealed needle bearing cam followers with a dynamic load rating of 2,225 lbs. each. It is guided laterally by identical cam followers. Click here to see X axis cam followers.

The Y (short) axis is the critical axis when it comes to cut quality. Our Y axis carriage rides on eight 1" diameter precision needle bearing rollers at right angles to each other. The rollers are calibrated to grip 4 hardened and ground rails with zero clearance. Load capacity is an amazing 4,518 pounds.
Click here to see Y axis linear motion slide.

How difficult is the kit to complete?

Answer - The project is a simple one that can easily be completed over a weekend. The extruded aluminum gantry is 90% finished, and requires only a couple of simple steps before you bolt it together.

The frame and X axis (long axis) rails can be quickly fabricated from locally purchased 3" square tubing and cold roll steel bar.
Click here to see a summary of what is involved.

How easy is the software to learn and use?

Answer - The driver software is a Windows program with a similar appearance to all other Windows programs. To locate holes for drilling, just draw small circles in your favorite CAD program, and move them so their centers are where you want the hole centers to be drilled.

Our software imports the layout, and interprets each circle as a drilling cycle, with its center point at the same location as the hole center. Nothing could be simpler.

If you want to use a canned drilling cycle consisting of multiple progressive plunges with a chip clearing retraction in between, the file modification is easy. Just use the Windows notepad search and replace function to insert a line of code to invoke the drilling cycle where it is needed. Click here for more details.

What can the DrillmasterCNC do besides drilling holes?

Answer - The machine can be used as a
CNC router or a CNC plasma cutter. We can provide configuration files for these applications as well as hole drilling.

Does the machine come in larger sizes than 18" x 24"?

Answer - Those wanting a larger size unit can purchase one of our Torchmate II CNC gantry kits, which are available up to 61" x 97" capacity. The automated Z axis is optional on Torchmate II gantry kits.

Can other drills than the DeWalt be used?

Answer - The DeWalt model mentioned has a machined section just above the chuck that is perfect for mounting via a clamping shaft collar.