Othermill Primer

Feb 2nd, 2018

 

J.Horacsek

What is the Othermill?

The Othermill is a desktop computer numerically controlled mill

Subtractive fabrication technique (in contrast with additive like FDM)

What is the Othermill?

Bed

What is the Othermill?

Spindle + Endmill

What is the Othermill?

What is the Othermill?

What can you do with it?

[1]

[2]

What can you do with it?

[1]

[2]

What can you do with it?

Dog tags, aluminum rings etc...

You can check out their website for projects and ideas

 

Although keep in mind that your designs must be planar!

Safety

  • Make sure to use your mill on a flat and stable surface.
  • Work in a clean and well-lit area
  • Keep a vacuum nearby for chip cleanup

Work Area Safety

  • Do not leave the milling machine unattended while in use.
  • Prior to operation, make sure the collet and tool are secure and remove the wrenches and other tools from inside the milling machine.
  • Do not use the milling machine if its safety windows are cracked.

Personal Safety

Safety

  • Make sure to turn off the milling machine before unplugging or plugging back in. Do not unplug by pulling on the power cord.
  • Do not use the milling machine if the power cord is damaged.
  • Do not abuse the power cord. Do not twist, bend, scrape, pull, pinch, or put a heavy object on it. Keep the cord away from heat, sharp edges, and oil.

Electrical Safety

Safety

  • As with any power tool, do not use the milling machine if you are tired, distracted, or otherwise impaired.
  • Do not operate the milling machine with damaged or dull bits.
  • Use the milling machine’s Emergency Stop button to immediately stop the machine when necessary.

Machine & Tool Safety

Safety

  • Ensure that the milling machine is clear of debris before and after operation. Use a brush to clean metal debris, as vacuum-cleaning metal shavings could cause a fire in the vacuum cleaner.
  • A vacuum may be used to clean other material debris. Never clean the milling machine while in use.

Dust Inhalation & Explosion Hazard

Safety

Operation

Otherplan/Bantam Tools

Operation

We're going to be milling a PCB, but you can use the same software to mill other types of files

  • EAGLE (.brd)
  • GerberSVG (.svg)
  • G-code (.nc, .tap, .gcode)

You can also use EAGLE or KiCAD to design PCBs

Operation

Operation

Operation

Screw the fixture brace down

Operation

Complete Detection Procedure

Operation

Operation

Operation

Change material to FR1 double sided

Operation

Operation

Apply double sided tape

Operation

Operation

Operation

Import .brd file

Operation

We're doing a 2 sided board, so turn off outline

Operation

Add 1/64 inch end mill to list

Operation

Close window and start (we'll change the end mill in a second)

Operation

Operation

Operation

Operation

Operation

Operation

If it gets stuck here, hit play

Operation

Keep an eye on the job -- it will ask you to swap tools

Operation

Do the other side, turn on outline this time.

Operation

Questions?

Ok, now let's do it for real

Intro to the Othermill

By Joshua Horacsek

Intro to the Othermill

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