Turning to more demanding markets

Technoturn has turned its focus to demanding markets, using technology and lean manufacturing methods to give it a competitive edge. It has now expanded its facilities to accommodate three new VMCs.

Caption: Technoturn has expanded its manufacturing facilities

As larger companies outsource to low cost countries should subcontractors reduce margins? Or should they take the initiative and expand into other more demanding markets reducing costs by embracing technology and lean manufacturing? David Mcllwain, managing director at Technoturn, prefers the second option.

The current market is somewhat fragile and in some circumstances manufacturing economies of scale need to be reviewed by expanding into new sectors, quantity being replaced by skill, technology and quality he says.

Technoturn has recently expanded its manufacturing facility to house three new VMC 4 axis milling machining centres. One Brother TC32B with twin pallets and two rotary axes and two Doosan Mynx NM410 machines both fitted with fourth rotary axes. The Brother TC32 B has a spindle speed of 16,000 rpm decreasing cycle times by 23 percent compared to previous versions. In addition it has a twin pallet system which can decrease production time by machining one component whilst the second pallet is being unloaded and reloaded resulting in minimum down time.

Mr McIlwain explains: By utilising advanced machinery, our production times have decreased, enabling us cope with both earlier on time deliveries and larger volumes if required. The Brother can easily handle diverse and complex parts with speed and amazing efficiency.

He says that Technoturn is constantly striving to improve its capabilities and adding value to the components it produces for its customers it can now offer a new shot blasting service to customers. Sub-assembly facilities are currently being researched, and Technoturn hope to be offering this service in the not too distant future.

By using lean manufacturing methods and using best practice procedures throughout our manufacturing operation we strive to achieve the least cost and most efficient manufacturing solutions for all our customers by providing quality components at a cost effective price with on time delivery and a customer focused responsive friendly attitude towards our customers needs, says Mr McIlwain.

Make My Computer Faster

peed up that PC today

As your computer gets older and software programs update it seems your PC just get’s slower and slower. If you suffer from a slow computer don’t worry.This is not some buy me article, we will cover real ways to speed up your computer.

One of the first and probably the most helpful thing you can do is to get a computer tune-up. Just like cars computers need maintenance. You would never consider waiting years to change your car’s oil. If you did then your car won’t last that long. A computer should be tuned up yearly. While there are several online tools you can purchase to repair your registry and optimize your computer nothing beats a real expert taking a look at your computer.Computer Tune-up software has come a long ways but it’s still not as good as hiring a computer repair pro. Only a real pro will be able to look at the broader picture and let you know all the things you may need to consider. Even if that news is to buy a new computer. Places like this pc repair Company do a great job at repairing computer right online. This is a California based company and it’s like having the tech right in your home.This is really cool sutff, they remote into your computer and you can watch them as if they were there.This is by far my favorite online computer repair company because these guys always go that extra mile. It’s not hard at all with a service like this. It’s also cheaper then you think so check them out first.

There are other things you can consider as well. If this is you then consider a free 30 day trial of JV16 power tools. Just Google that name and you will see them pop up first. These guys offer a free fully functional trial for 30 days. It’s well worth the download. If you are not tech savvy then I would not use the program as it is very powerful stuff.

Another thing to consider is to max out your computer memory.As software gets more complicated your computer needs more RAM (Memory) to stay current. Google memory configurator and plug in your computer model into any memory configurator program and you will be able to see how much memory and what type your computer can use. This is one of the cheaper ways to get a little more life out of your computer.

If it comes down to it and you do need a new computer then consider checking out this how to transfer files site. Its good stuff and they have many guides on how to transfer files from XP to Vista and any computer to computer data transfer.

Drawing 3D Object in Adobe Illustrator

This Tutorial will show you how to draw simple objects with a three-dimensional appearance. At ?rst we will draw arrows indicating a movement in 3D space. Adobe Illustrator 7.0 was used to create the following graphics, but all procedures are valid for newer versions (up to CS2), too. Basics of Isometric Projection. Isometric projections are a two-dimensional drawing of three-dimensional objects, created by a parallel projection. Objects look like having a volume, without actually having one. The main characteristics of an isometric projection are: - there is no vanishing point - lines that are parallel in reality will be parallel in the drawing - same lenghts in reality will be drawn at the same length, without any shortening caused by a perspective view. An isometric drawing is created along the axes representing the 3D space: When the basic shape of the object (here: a cube) is drawn, the correspondig faces can simply be created by a double 120° rotation of the shape. Isometric objects can be created out of 2D shapes using the Distortion Tool. Since this tool produces non-proportional distortions (resulting edges have different lengths), this error must be corrected by applying a known scaling factor before distorting the shape. Now select the Distortion Tool. Enter a distortion angle of 30° along the vertical axis. This setting means, that vertical lines are just moved vertically, while horizontal lines are tilt by 30°. Without the preceding scaling, the horizontal lines would get longer than the vertical lines at this moment.

Mac or PC?

I have only just seen the new adverts from Microsot starring Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld. The latest ad campaign from Microsoft is an attempt to compete with the infamous Macguy adverts that people know and love.

I myself use a mac computer and I wouldn't use anything else. At work I use a pc and I can instantly tell the difference in usability and work flow and general coolness. There is no comparison. Getting work done on a mac is so much easier. Why? One answer is that it just works and thats that! Nothing will ever let you down on a mac. I have had my macbook for about a year and I have never had to call up "task manager" to close a program down, I have never had to take it into the mac store and tell them something has gone wrong, it has been my perfect tool in designing.

Don't get me wrong I know that windows can be useful, doesnt mean there any good though. However, it completely depends where and when you are using a windows machine. It is a known fact that in a battle between Microsoft and Apple Mac there is only one winner. Currently, it would have to be Microsoft unfortunately. It hurts me to admit this but it is an unfortunate fact. They have the market under their thumb only because of the fact they were first on the "scene" and have been for so many years. PC's are cheap, affordable and easy to chuck into a school, home, office for a couple hundred pounds.

A MAC requires a bit more thought and possible a slight touch of risk to buy it in the first place. People ask themselves about spending all that money, whether or not it is worth it or not. 'Will I be able to use it properly after being so use to a Microsoft personal computer?' This is the one and only the problem with anyone wanting to purchase a MAC. People are intimidated by the change of software. What people don't realise is that a MAC may cost slightly more money but the benefits are un-surmountable compared to a cheap old PC. You buy a PC and expect it to last for a few years if your lucky! I bought my own MAC and expect it to last for ten years, easily! So what is more expensive? Having to continuously buy more and more PC's over the space of ten years or just having one MAC that you know will last you.

It arguable to say that a lot of Microsoft software from the past had originally been based on Macintosh programming but that is still not confirmed. Either way, this battle between a MAC and a Windows machine will always rage on for many years to come! But I would personally never buy a Windows machine ever again in my life.

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CNC Programming Coordinate System Setting

The position of terminal point of the movement command in the Z-axis can be shifted + or - by as much as the value set in the offset memory. This function can be used by setting the difference between the tool length assumed during programming and the actual tool length of the tool used when the work is performed into the offset memory. Direction of offset G43 + side offset G44 - side offset In any case of absolute or incremental command, the offset amount that has been set into the offset memory assigned by H-code is in G43, added to, and in G44, subtracted from the coordinate value of the terminal point of the axis movement command. The coordinate value after the calculation becomes the terminal point. Assignment of offset amount Assign offset number using H-code. The offset amount that has been set in the offset memory is added to or subtracted from the programmed command value for Z-axis. Note -1 When the offset amount is changed due to a change of the offset number, the offset value changes to the new offset amount, but it is not added to the old offset amount. Coordinate system shift G50, This command created a new coordinate system in which the coordinate (X, Z) of a point on the tool (i.e. Tool nose) on the current coordinate system correspond to (X + u, Z+ w). The X and Z values are diameter in case of diameter designation and radius in the case of radius designation.

CNC Programming Technique - TOC

This book was suitable for CNC learning, mechanical engineer, CNC operator, or programmer, in this book you will get any information about : Program Development Drawing , Drawing Evaluation Material and Stock Part Setup Part Reference Point Part Orientation Selecting Part Zero Tooling Selection Identifying Machining Operations Face Milling Contour Milling Circular Pocket Milling Slot Milling Spot Drilling Drilling Tapping Summary of Tools Used Machining Data Spindle Speed Cutting Feedrate Tooling Data Details of Operations Tool 1 - Face Milling Tool 2 - Outside Contour Tool 2 - Circular Pocket Tool 3 - Slot Milling Tool 4 - Spot Drilling Tool 5 - Drilling Tool 6 - Tapping Complete Program 2 - CALCULATING CONTOUR POINTS 23 Tools and Knowledge· Mathematical Knowledge Organized Approach Process of Calculating XY Coordinates Step 1 - Establish the Main Contour Points Step 2 - Fill-in the Coordinate Sheet Step 3 - Identify Calculation Zones Step 4 - Helpful Ideas for Calculations Step 5 - Calculations for Zone 1 Step 6 - Calculations for Zone 2 Updating Coordinate Sheet Writing the CNC Program.

CNC Programming Handbook, Third Edition (Hardcover)

Product Description

Over its first two editions, this best-selling book has become the de facto standard for training and reference material at all levels of CNC programming. Used in hundreds of educational institutions around the world as the primary text for CNC courses, and used daily by many in-field CNC programmers and machine operators, this book literally defines CNC programming. Written with careful attention to detail, there are no compromises. Many of the changes in this new Third Edition are the direct result of comments and suggestions received from many CNC professionals in the field. This extraordinarily comprehensive work continues to be packed with over one thousand illustrations, tables, formulas, tips, shortcuts, and practical examples.

The enclosed CD-ROM now contains a fully functional 15-day shareware version of CNC tool path editor/simulator, NCPlot(tm). This powerful, easy-to-learn software includes an amazing array of features, many not found in competitive products. NCPlot offers an unmatched combination of simplicity of use and richness of features. Support for many advanced control options is standard, including a macro interpreter that simulates Fanuc and similar macro programs.

The CD-ROM also offers many training exercises based on individual chapters, along with solutions and detailed explanations. Special programming and machining examples are provided as well, in form of complete machine files, useful as actual programming resources. Virtually all files use Adobe PDF format and are set to high resolution printing.

New and Updated Features of the 3rd Edition
- Detailed section on CNC lathes with live tooling, including examples - Image files of many actual parts, used as examples - More programming examples (both in printed text and on the CD-ROM) - Optimized for the latest Fanuc and related control systems - Additional formulas, calculations and handy reference material - Fourth axis programming (indexing and rotary) - Improved index for better search of topics

CNC Programming Circular Interpolation (Helical Motion)

Content Inside :

CNC programming tutorial Circular Interpolation (Helical Motion) Circular Interpolation • G02, G03, I, J & K – G02: Circular interpolation (CW) – G03: Circular interpolation (CCW) – I, J & K (Use when <=360 degree) • Incremental distance from SP to CP of arc – I: Specifies the incremental ±X distance from the center of the tool at the start of the arc to the center of the arc. – J: Specifies the incremental ±Y distance from the center of tool at the start of the arc to the center of the arc. Why I, J & K instead of just R? • R is easier to define, easier to make a mistake and get an incorrect radius. • With R, the machine still do the work whether the R is correct or incorrect. • With incorrect I, J & K, the machine will stop and gives an error message before executing. • With R, to generate a circle path of over 180 degrees, then specify a negative R. Sample program (R and J).

CNC 8055/8055i Complete Programming Manual

Chapter 1 General concept : 1.1 Part programs 1.1.1 Considerations regarding the Ethernet connection 1.2 DNC connection 1.3 Communication protocol via DNC or peripheral device. Chapter 2 : Creating a program, 2.1 Program structure at the CNC 2.1.1 Block header 2.1.2 Program block 2.1.3 End of block. Chapter Axes and Coordinate system : 3.1 Axis nomenclature 3.1.1 Axis selection 3.2 Plane selection (G16, G17, G18, G19) 3.3 Part dimensioning. Millimeters (G71) or inches (G70) 3.4 Absolute/incremental programming (G90, G91) 3.5 Programming in radius or in diameters (G152, G151) 3.6 Coordinate programming 3.6.1 Cartesian coordinates 3.6.2 Polar coordinates 3.6.3 Angle and one Cartesian coordinate 3.7 Rotary axes 3.8 Work zones 3.8.1 Definition of the work zones 3.8.2 Using the work zones. Chapter 4 reference system : 4.1 Reference points 4.2 Machine reference (Home) search (G74) 4.3 Programming with respect to machine zero (G53) 4.4 Coordinate preset and zero offsets 4.4.1 Coordinate preset and S value limitation (G92) 4.4.2 Zero offsets (G54..G59) 4.5 Polar origin preset (G93). Chapter 5 Iso Code Programming 5.1 Preparatory functions 5.2 Feedrate F 5.2.1 Feedrate in mm/min or inches/min (G94) 5.2.2 Feedrate in mm/rev.or inches/rev (G95) 5.3 Spindle speed (S) 5.3.1 Constant surface speed (G96) 5.3.2 Spindle speed in rpm (G97) 5.4 Spindle selection (G28, G29) 5.5 Synchronized spindles (G30, G77S, G78S) 5.6 Tool number (T) and tool offset (D). Chapter 6 : Path Control : 6.1 Rapid traverse (G00) 6.2 Linear interpolation (G01) 6.3 Circular interpolation (G02, G03) 6.4 Circular interpolation with absolute arc center coordinates (G06) 6.5 Arc angent to previous path (G08) 6.6 Arc defined by three points (G09) 6.7 Helical interpolation 6.8 Tangential entry at the beginning of a machining operation (G37) 6.9 Tangential exit at the end of a machining operator (G38). CHAPTER 7 ADDITIONAL PREPARATORY FUNCTIONS. CHAPTER 8 TOOL COMPENSATION. CHAPTER 9 CANNED CYCLES 9.1 G66. Pattern repeat cycle canned cycle 9.1.1 Basic operation 9.1.2 Profile programming syntax 9.2 G68. X axis roughing canned cycle. CHAPTER 10 PROBING, CHAPTER 11 HIGH-LEVEL LANGUAGE PROGRAMMING. CHAPTER 12 PROGRAM CONTROL INSTRUCTIONS, CHAPTER 13 ANGULAR TRANSFORMATION OF AN INCLINE AXIS.

Bosch 4410L 15-Amp 10-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Bosch 4410L 15-Amp 10-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Technical Details

• 10-inch dual bevel compound miter saw with laser tracking
• Wide miter range--52 degrees left and right; 15 amp; 4,800 rpm; 3-horsepower
• Heavy cast-iron base; carbide-tipped saw blade
• Includes saw, blade, dust bag, elbow wrench set, flip-over crown stops
• 22-1/2-inch base and extenders to 37-1/2-inches long; 55 pounds; 1-year warranty

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Product Description

Amazon.com Review
This is what a miter saw ought to be: accurate, sturdy, powerful, versatile, user-friendly and packed full of cool features.

If we had to choose a favorite aspect, it would have to be the handle. It’s vertical. It’s horizontal. And it’s a couple of other things in between. It locks quickly and easily into any of four positions, so both lefties and righties have complete comfort and control.

This saw is beefy -- it weighs in at 55 pounds and it’s got a nice, wide footprint that promises the ultimate stability, and sliding extensions bring your support area to 37-1/4 inches. If you’re in the market for a stand for this saw as well, we like both the Bosch TracRac as well as the DeWalt DW723.

The dual bevel is a great feature, swinging 47 degrees left and 46 degrees right, with positive bevel stops at 31.6 and 33.9 degrees for flawless crown molding cuts. For miter cuts, the blade swings an impressive 52 degrees left and 60 degrees to the right. There’s even a micro-fine adjustment here, letting you override a detent by as much as 2 degrees. Now that’s precision.

We absolutely love the fence on this saw – Bosch calls it a Speed-track sliding fence – because it’s a full 4 inches tall and has a beautifully readable inch-scale on it. It’s perfect for crown molding, handling pieces up to 6 inches wide when angled against the fence.

We’re suddenly rethinking our earlier statement about our favorite feature on this saw; on second thought, it might well be that all the controls – including the bevel lever – are up front. We’re pretty tired of reaching around a saw body to set a bevel, so this is a most welcome upgrade. Adjustments are so much faster and easier, and all the scales are right up front, too.

Capacities are generous, thanks to the slide, with a max cut of a 2-by-12 at a 45-degree bevel and 3-5/8 by 12 inches when the blade is upright.

And yes, this saw has a laser cutting guide, but unless you really want one, we wouldn’t let that sway a decision on this saw one way or the other. It’s a nice feature if you’re likely to use it, but most of us woodworkers prefer to get a visual on exactly where that blade meets the wood.

In all, this is a beauty of a saw, with features you aren’t going to find on other saws in its class. And we still can’t pick our favorite between the handle and the up-front controls. It’s all good. -- Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Product Description
10", Dual Bevel Slide Miter Saw With Up Front Controls & Laser Tracking, 15A Motor, 4,800 RPM, Up Front Bevel Lock Lever & Range Selector Knob, Easily Accessed Controls For Quick & Acccurate Bevel Settings, Arbor Mounting Laser Tracking, Provides Accurate Laser Lines For Precision Cuttting, Multi Positioned Main Handle, Easily Locks Into Any Of 4 Positions For Optimum Comfort & Control, Crown Miter Detents, Exclusive Wedge & Slot Miter Detent Sysytem.

BOSCH RA1181 Benchtop Router Table

BOSCH RA1181 Benchtop Router Table

Technical Details

• Benchtop router table; attaches to any workbench
• 2 adjustable featherboards; dust collection port; dual outlet switch; 6-foot power cord
• Aluminum fence with MDF face plates; aluminum router mounting plate
• Includes router table, 3 mounting plate insert rings, mounting hardware for most Bosch routers, 2 featherboards, adjustable clear guard, starter pin and guard, outfeed fence shims
• 27-inch by 18-inch work surface; 1-year warranty

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Product Description

Amazon.com Product Review
A benchtop router offers significant advantages over a handheld machine. It's safer, because you're moving the wood over the bit instead of the other way around. It's also versatile, allowing you to do a number of cuts that aren't possible with a handheld. And because it has a fence, it gives you a degree of control and precision that is simply impossible with freehand routing.

Because you're sliding the wood across the surface of a bench router, it's important that the surface be as frictionless as possible. The RA1181 features a generous 27-inch long by 18-inch wide table that's made out of slick but durable cast aluminum. In addition, he surface near the fence is rough-ground to minimize surface contact, which further reduces friction.

Though the caveat "some assembly required" applies here, the manual is clearly written, and I found the setup process to be straightforward. Once fully assembled, the RA1181 attaches to just about any workbench via the leg assemblies, which have flat "feet" that you can clamp to the table. You can also use the pre-drilled holes to screw it to your work surface if you don't need it to be portable. (Note that most benchtop routers need to be mounted on a smaller table-using a standard worktable may leave it uncomfortably high.)

Once secured to the table, the RA1181 is very stable, and can handle high-horsepower routers and larger work pieces without bucking. The cast aluminum mounting plate accepts a variety of routers-and not just those made by Bosch. The fence is good and rigid, and is adjustable from 0 to 3-3/4-inches wide.

This is a great little machine, and its portability and capacity for bigger jobs makes it as good a fit on the job site as it is in the home workshop.--Josh Dettweiler

What's in the Box
Two adjustable featherboards, three mounting plate insert rings, one adjustable clear guard, one starter pin and guard, two outfeed fence shims (1/16-inch thick), appropriate router mounting hardware

Bosch 1590EVSK 6.4 Amp Top Handle Jigsaw

Bosch 1590EVSK 6.4 Amp Top Handle Jigsaw
Bosch 1590EVSK 6.4 Amp Top Handle Jigsaw
Purchase at least $50 worth of power tools sold and shipped by Amazon and get a woodworking or home magazine at 50% off
It’s a funny thing about jigsaws; most of us tend to reach for another tool in its stead, having had less-than-great experiences with the little beasts.

But here comes Bosch’s 1590, and it elevates the outcast jigsaw to the most-wanted list.

The first thing we liked about this saw is its heft; it’s beefy, solid and made with that famous Swiss quality. You wrap your hand around the soft, substantial grip, squeeze the ample trigger and the soft-start whirs gently; with hardly any effort from you, the blade slices through whatever’s ahead of it. Perhaps because it’s heavier than most jigsaws, there’s practically zero vibration, giving you a delightfully smooth, no-buzz experience, something pretty much unheard of in your average jigsaw.

Another nice feature is the speed mechanism: Set your maximum speed on the trigger dial, then control your speed up to that max by squeezing the trigger. On long cuts, you can lock the trigger on, too, and the blower actually does keep your cutline clear.

If that’s all this saw had going for it, that would be enough for us. But coolest of all is the blade-change system that literally ejects the blade in a split second, takes the new one and gets you right back to your cutting – all tool-free. Amazing.

If you’ve relegated the jigsaw to the bottom of your toolbox, you owe it to yourself to give this one a chance. We think it’s fantastic. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste