Screw Machine Training

[KJS]

Does anyone with screw machine experience have an idea as to how long it takes for someone with no screw machine experience to become somewhat comfortable with the machine. We don't have any experience with them or cnc lathes but we're quite comfortable with cnc mills, machining centers, and MasterCam. Any help would be great.

[Jim at Gentex]

Good question.

 

I guess the main difference is that screw machines control things by direct mechanical means with gears and cams, whereas the CNC's are relying on electronics and servos.

 

As a result, screw machines often require much more 'tweaking' during setup, but once you nail the setup you will normally get good consistent parts all day long.

 

My best advice is that the operator must learn patience during this tweaking process because it can be tedious, especially if you are running close tolerance work. After a time, you will find that tweaking a finished dimension on a screw machine part is in many ways simpler than on a CNC.

 

The other intimidating thing about screw machines is that when everything starts moving all at once you SWEAR it's going to crash and burn! It just takes some getting used to. It's just like seeing the head on your vertical CNC mill make a rapid Z move toward the workpiece and then stop exactly where you told it to. As long as you are confident with your setup, you'll get used to the movements and realize it really won't crash unless you messed up. I would recommend starting with simple parts to allow the operator to build some confidence before moving on to more complex work.

 

How long this takes I guess depends upon the operator. Some people pick it up quickly and some don't...just like learning CNC milling or anything else around the shop. I think you need the ability to visualize the sequence of steps needed to make the part in your mind, then be able to set the machine up to execute that plan in a logical order.

 

I would say that if you train 4 or 5 people on a screw machine and ONE of them picks it up quickly, you'll probably be OK. That one person will probably become your screw machine guru and will usually be able to handle any job after a while.

 

Treat it as a positive learning experience, and BE SAFE!!!

 

[KJS]

Jim,

Thanks for the response, it's a big help. What kind of machines do you run and which software do you program your screw machines with? Ours should be here in about a week. It's a Hanwha using Partmaker software.

[Jim at Gentex]

I don't run any now...just vertical CNC mills.

 

I had some experience w/ mostly Brown & Sharp screw machines, but it was a long time ago. I haven't seen one in probably 20 years, but I'm sure the basics don't change much. (But back then our 'software' consisted of paper and pencil!) I'll bet the newer machines are nice though. Like I said, be patient as with learning anything new and you'll be fine. Learn to crawl before you try to walk, then learn to walk before you try to run.

[Trapper Paul]

Very interesting post KJS.

 

I also am in the same position.

i might need to learn a screw mahine, i'll be watching this post.

[KJS]

As I said we get ours next week. I had a 2-day intro. last week. It seems like its pretty complex with alot to remember. I guess I'll have to crash and learn.

[Trapper Paul]

I just looked at there web site. Interesting, how did you decide on this brand? I sent for some info. but the nearest dealer is in Wisc.

Is the machine expensive? I'll definetly check back hear to hear how your crashes are going.

[Joeyls319]

KJS

I ran, troubleshot, set-up and rebuilt Davenport screw machines for 12 years. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have if I can. My experience is limited on other types of screw machines but I know other guys that are very knowledgable on acme-gridleys and brown and sharpes.

 

Joey

[KJS]

Carriopaul,

We really didn't decide on this machine. We bought an entire operation from the screw machine all the way down to the office furniture and Hanwha was the machine they had. I believe it is about a $185,000 machine. It arrived yesterday.

[Trapper Paul]

KJS,

sounds nice.

I just had our rep. out of Denver bid me the cost of a new small machine. Good luck.

[Trapper Paul]

How is the new screw machine going?

 

Wish you had mastercam to program it with?

[KJS]

Well, it's going pretty well. Running it goes well after alot of repatation. In two weeks we're getting trained on the software to program it. This should be a big help. The two really go hand in hand as far as helping you understand them goes. I wish Master Cam could run screw machines since I already know the software but thats the way things go. MasterCam is much nicer and has more friendly features. How is your project going?

[Trapper Paul]

Sounds fun.

 

I have been deer hunting in Mn. Now back at it.

 

We are only in the quote stages right now. I did get a time study done on our screws from Hanwa and will present this to the owner.