Converting a Conventional Milling Machine Into A Hobbing Machine 2

[gearcutter]

The images below were taken from another gear related forum.
They are of a machine located at a gear shop in India somewhere.
A conventional milling machine is being used to do the job of a horizontal hobbing machine. Power is taken from the rear end of the horizontal tool spindle and then, through a series of change gears and a PTO shaft, is transferred to what-looks-to-be a dedicated gear box which just happens to look a lot like a dividing head.
The chap that posted the images was having trouble with getting a decent finish on the flanks of the spline teeth he was attempting to cut. It was hard to make out exactly what his problem was but it sounded like he was also getting a lead error.

I don't know what it's like in the rest of the world; but here in Australia, more and more one-off type jobs are being out-sourced to shops in India. I've know idea if those shops are anything like this one, but buyer beware!

Milling Machine/Hobber by ronvol, on Flickr


Milling Machine/Hobber by ronvol, on Flickr


Milling Machine/Hobber by ronvol, on Flickr


Milling Machine/Hobber by ronvol, on Flickr

Ron Volmershausen
Brunkerville Engineering
Newcastle Australia

http://www.aussieweb.com.au/email.aspx?id=1194181

 

[gearcutter]

I've *no* idea.
I should take more care before posting

Ron Volmershausen
Brunkerville Engineering
Newcastle Australia

http://www.aussieweb.com.au/email.aspx?id=1194181

 

[tbuelna]

Love the pictures! A great example of the difference between theory and practice.

"When the used machine tool salesman turned the picture of this universal mill sideways, it kinda looked like a horizontal hobbing setup. So in theory it should have been able to make a decent quality spline, right? When I asked about the massive slop in the change gears, the salesman said they were designed like that on purpose so that any stray metal chips can pass harmlessly through the mesh. He also guaranteed the horizontal travel on this machine would hold +/-.00005" all day long."

Regards,
Terry

 

[gearcutter]

That's actually quite funny Terry.
Thanks for sharing

Ron Volmershausen
Brunkerville Engineering
Newcastle Australia

http://www.aussieweb.com.au/email.aspx?id=1194181

 

[724napier]

Wow,
That is some scary stuff. Gearcutter, do you own a gear shop?

 

[gearcutter]

724napeier
Scary stuff indeed!
In answer to your question; yes I do.

Ron Volmershausen
Brunkerville Engineering
Newcastle Australia

http://www.aussieweb.com.au/email.aspx?id=1194181

 

[mfgenggear]

hahahahaha you get what you pay for.