CNC Milling of bespoke parts

[rchadd]

Hey I really like this jet boat project

http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/hawkinsp/jetboat/jetboat.htm

the milling process looks very involved and expensive

anyone with experience of CNC milling of similar objects out of aluminium - any estimate on how much that would have cost him to make the jetpump?

i assume that if I could get the CAD files it would be feasible to get someone with appropriate CNC milling machines to make it?

do such people actually exist that will make bespoke stuff like this?

PS. make sure to check out the video on the site - that boat really moves!

[DYNAGOD]

Im the cad/cam guy at a precision machine shop. the impeller and stator would be the killer.
 if you were looking to keep tight tolerances, I would suggest you use someone with 5 axis capabilties,. the method hes using i can only imagine would allow for alot of deflection.
the fact that you would likely only want one each would also increase the cost as its a one off.
if your truly interested your best option would be to contact the individual who made those and ask if he would be willing to make another set for you as he is already set up to do it and has already incurred all the engineering costs on his own.

[Zakk]

Hmm, that's kind of interesting, so you couldn't just do up a CAD drawing of that impeller and have the machine cut it?  Would it depend on the complexity of the CNC machine?

 (sorry I find some of that stuff fascinating, I should have taken machine shop instead of auto body dammit!!)

[Franco]

The CAD part is the easy bit, its the programming of the CNC machining center that would be the tricky bit. I work for a company that makes gas turbines and turbochargers and we have a range of m/c's that produce similar components. Always comes in handy for making custom parts for my cab amongst other things 

[rchadd]

there is a range of ready made jet drives for model boats by a company called Graupner

i think the one at the bottom of this page would be best equivalent...

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/jetdrives.htm

[Zakk]

The CAD part is the easy bit, its the programming of the CNC machining center that would be the tricky bit. I work for a company that makes gas turbines and turbochargers and we have a range of m/c's that produce similar components. Always comes in handy for making custom parts for my cab amongst other things

[daywane]

what in the world is that machine using as a coolant?
I run CNC machines at work. power steering parts for all makes and models of cars world wide.
we use Metcut oil. Steel tubing. Never did aluminum
looks like milk

[Zakk]

what in the world is that machine using as a coolant?
I run CNC machines at work. power steering parts for all makes and models of cars world wide.
we use Metcut oil. Steel tubing. Never did aluminum
looks like milk

I'm glad you said milk! 

[Tailgunner]

what in the world is that machine using as a coolant?
I run CNC machines at work. power steering parts for all makes and models of cars world wide.
we use Metcut oil. Steel tubing. Never did aluminum
looks like milk

It's a mix of water and water soluble oil. I use the same stuff in a cold cut saw.

[Dire Radiant]

I wondered why that ham sandwich tasted odd

[microwrx]

what in the world is that machine using as a coolant?
I run CNC machines at work. power steering parts for all makes and models of cars world wide.
we use Metcut oil. Steel tubing. Never did aluminum
looks like milk

A friend of mine is a machinist specializing in micro finishes (even has some parts floating around in space) and he said most long time machinists have their own secret coolant brew.  His looks similar to this.

[daywane]

ah!!! that explanes the white.
never even thought of water.
work with steel. water bad 

[tmasman]

That's just a simple 3 axis CNC Lathe...
(I say simple, but, well, you know... As far as CNC machines go...)

It shouldn't be too hard to set-up assuming you've got the machine.  Or am I missing something? I know a bit about 3 axis CNC tables, but I've never really gotten to mess with CNC lathes.

[Tailgunner]

Most flood coolant CNC machining systems use a water/oil mix. The stuff is quite oily to the touch, but it flows like plain water and conducts heat away from the work/tooling better than straight oil. Another nice feature, it doesn't smoke when you're cutting aggresively.