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?
What can you do with it?
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
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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