Iconic 4, how do I chuck drill bits?

[windcrest77]

Hi,

I'm getting used to using my new Iconic 4 machine. I've made several panels and motorcycle parts with aluminum. In my next project I need a lot of straight up drilling tool paths, maybe 4 different drill tool paths to drill 4 different sizes of holes. 3/16, 5/32, 1mm, and 2mm.

How the heck do I chuck high quality Cobalt drill bits into my CNC when the collet is either 1/8 or 1/4?

Is there a chuck arbor I can buy that will let me chuck drill bits? The vetric software has drill bits as a tool choice, how do I do simple hole drilling without using an end mill bit? But with standard drill bits instead?

The material I am working with is 3/8 inch thick aluminum, for motorcycle parts that I machine then anodize, the parts I am making have many, many screw mounting holes of different sizes. Drilling all these holes with an end mill seems wrong especially for something like a 1mm or 2mm hole.

[mnwoodbee]

The drill tool path is merely a pre programmed motion control for drilling. Like the other tool paths you still have to pick the tool and set the speed and feeds.

I’m not sure of your set up with regards to spindle. If your running er20 collets I’d get a set of them, you can get a chart off a reputable site that tells you the minimum and maximum the collect will collapse. Each collet then gives you numerous drill sizes.

[Axiom Tool Group]

You can find ER-11 collets in various sizes...as well as drill bits that have set 1/8" and 1/4" shafts.

Assorted collets would be the preference. I'd recommend a metric set which would range from 1mm to 7mm.


Whatever you do...a drill chuck would never be recommended. These items are generally not balanced well and would take up a large amount of the already limited Z-axis clearance for this smaller machine.

*Not to mention the damage that can be done if a drill chuck is used at high RPM.

[windcrest77]

Jul 1, 2020 15:17:04 GMT -5 Axiom Tool Group said:

You can find ER-11 collets in various sizes...as well as drill bits that have set 1/8" and 1/4" shafts.

Assorted collets would be the preference. I'd recommend a metric set which would range from 1mm to 7mm.


Whatever you do...a drill chuck would never be recommended. These items are generally not balanced well and would take up a large amount of the already limited Z-axis clearance for this smaller machine.

*Not to mention the damage that can be done if a drill chuck is used at high RPM.

Thanks!

Now I understand. My Iconic 4 came shipped with two ER11 collets, for 1/4 and 1/8. And since Axiom didnt sell any other collet sets I wasnt aware thats how you chuck other tool diameter shafts, by needing a full set of collets. 

I'm going to order a set of ER11 collets so I can chuck regular cobalt 40 twist drill bits in the sizes I'll need.

Thanks for your patience.

[johnb]

Post some pictures for us. This sounds like a cool application of the machine