Nichols Miter Build: Bicycle Framebuilding automation

[ToddFarr]

This is slowly starting to get pretty intense so I figured I would start documenting my Nichols Hand Mill Build. I'm working through a semi-automated tube mitering setup, something that I can set and forget and have it cut the tube and return to the home position. This thread will document the build. If you guys have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Here is how the mill looked when I picked it up


After some serious Cleaning:


Ripping out all the old wiring and going to be putting in a VFD:


Phase II Rotary Table and Servo Controlled Y-Axis Automation Underway:


I've chosen to use a Panasonic FPe PLC to control the Y-axis. Mostly because I got it for free, and it's a nice little contained unit. My plan is to be able to set the Y-axis Feed Rate in inches per minute, 0.100"/min in this case. The Servo will move the table at this controlled speed either for a set distance or until a proximity sensor is tripped. This will stop the system and the Y-axis will reset to a home position.


More to come.
Thanks - Todd.