Machining a clock dial

[ircox]

I have a 3 axis desktop mill with a rotary turntable mounted on the table in the X-Y plane (axis of rotation in Z) making the 4th axis.

Need to machine details on clock dials. They will be fixed to the rotary platform. Many dials, e.g. grandfather clocks, are larger than the machine Y travel so I will need to turn the rotary table to reach the entire surface.

There will be two main features: Rings around the edge of the dial and the 12 numerals. In both cases the tool orientation would have to be in the same axis as the rotary table.

Haven't been able to find a multi-axis operation that will allow me do either. All seem to require the tool orientation to be 90 degrees to the rotation axis.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[matty.fuller]

You'll probably need multiple setups and to manually index the rotary, I don't think this is achievable via toolpath alone.

[a.laasW8M6T]

Hi

You can do this all in one setup using circular patterns and tool orientation

See video/file for how to do it.

[ircox]

Thanks all for the comments. The video is much appreciated a.laasW8M6T. Thank you for going to all that effort. Very clear.

[ircox · Accepted solution]

Used Circular Pattern to machine minute graduations and circles after modifying my machine configuration. 

Outstanding!! Many thanks.

[a.laasW8M6T]

Excellent

I'm glad it worked out for you!