mickeyw Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 We've had discussions on here in the past about this problem, and many have suggested alternative methods to the costly, and not always convenient EDM process. While nosing on our favourite auction site I encountered this, basically a portable EDM device. It is still an expensive bit of kit, but it presents options for spark erosion without having to fit whatever you have into the EDM tank, or even having to fully dismantle and clean the work piece before and after. It runs single phase and could for instance be set up in your garage, or even engine bay! Despite coming from a toolmaking background, I hadn't seen one of these, so thought I would share my find. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoltan Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 I really wish I could have got the spark eroder on the truck when I came to pick the grinder up from your place Grinder is giving excellent service btw, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmasherWebbs Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 Spart eroders are awsome bits of kit but they dont like working at great depths. As i found out when the £15K trasnformer blew on an industrial 4inch unit i happened to be working on with a sub The American contractor didnt see the funny side when the smoke and blue sparks came out of it. But i couldnt stop laughing Perfect to exh studs and head bolts you just cant get out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big.Mike Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 Used by safe crackers the world over... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cynic-al Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 I like that. In the past when pins have broken at work I've had to take the tool to the local tool maker to get the pin out. That would do it ... and my jobs That said I've been trying to get them to buy a hurco that one of the tool makers is trying to sell as they've upgraded to a cnc, the hurco is cheaper than the ebay gadget Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeyw Posted May 21, 2013 Author Share Posted May 21, 2013 That said I've been trying to get them to buy a hurco that one of the tool makers is trying to sell as they've upgraded to a cnc, the hurco is cheaper than the ebay gadget I had trouble trying to give the one away that Zoltan is referring to. Gone now though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cynic-al Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 Yeah it's a food machine but he's had it sat around ages. He had a bridgeport turret mill too that he had to fet rid of to make space for the xnc aparker but that went within days, didn't even get chance to look at it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superpants Posted May 22, 2013 Share Posted May 22, 2013 It is possible to make your own- the basic premise is pretty simple- my Dad made one up although I'm not sure he has used it anywhere other than the bench at home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vulcan bomber Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 A blunt carbide end mill and 2500RPM is pretty good at getting broken taps out. it wears the end mill away but when you have a good supply of them it doesnt matter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superpants Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Just came across another tool like this when looking for something else; http://kapcoaero.com/products/e-drill/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonr Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 How hard can it be to build one?! Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CwazyWabbit Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 How hard can it be to build one?! Si I like that kind of thinking Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonr Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 High frequency spark generator (full wave rectify 12v AC to give 100Hz and feed it in to an ignition coil / suitable transformer). Connect between a brass bar and the workpiece. I'm sure commercial ones are more complicated, but at it's simplest it's just vapourising bits of metal with a spark! Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoltan Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 I'm sure commercial ones are more complicated, but at it's simplest it's just vapourising bits of metal with a spark!Si Sounds like most people practising welding Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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