DF500 Offset Base

[Scorpion]

I was unfortunately unable to secure one of Woodpecker's Offset Bases after trying a couple of different angles and didn't feel like hoping that it would come back around again.  Seneca's is nice but I want to be able to center on a variety of thicknesses of material and do so easily and more repeatable for building cabinets.  I decided to make my own like Woodpeckers.  Fortunately it only cost me time and saved me money (assuming my time isn't worth anything).  [eek]

This offset base is made out of 3/8-inch 6061 Aluminum.  I won't bore you with the project pictures just hit the high-spots.  Principle is the same, baseplate and upper plate.

Base attaches to the DF500's base and spacers get the distance right between the base and the upper.

Looked all over for a small cursor window like they put on table saws but couldn't find anything that didn't require special ordering and waiting multiple weeks for deliver so I engraved some 1/4-inch polycarbonate with metric and standard rules as well as made a single alignment plate for just when I'm following a penciled layout.

There's about .050 of play left and right so it can be aligned using the marks on the fence. 

Now I'll just need to make spacers the appropriate size when I encounter a setup that doesn't work with the ones I have.

 

[rmwarren]

Nicely done Matt! Ever since they came out with that setup it has been on my "someday" project list.

I use and enjoy my domiplate but rankle at the need to use the tool upside down. This setup overcomes that issue.

RMW

 

[Cheese]

Really nice job...curious as to how you engraved the polycarbonate.

 

[Steve-Rice]

Looks great!

I actually wrote to Woodpeckers to see if they had any old stock still available, but they didn't. You've motivated me to make my own. 

Thanks!

 

[Scorpion]

Nicely done Matt! Ever since they came out with that setup it has been on my "someday" project list.

I use and enjoy my domiplate but rankle at the need to use the tool upside down. This setup overcomes that issue.

RMW

Thanks, the upside down thing was another thing I wasn't too keen on.  On thing I wasn't fond of as I considered that style was how faint the mark is on the underside and figured it would end up being a problem over time.

 

[Scorpion]

Really nice job...curious as to how you engraved the polycarbonate.

I tried two different ways (trial and error) and the net result was exactly the same ironically:

Shallow cut with a whiteside v-groove bit

Whiteside Router Bits 1503 V-Groove Bit with 90-Degree 1/2-Inch Cutting Diameter and 1/4-Inch Point Lengthhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012JG6MO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_cZI5wbBBPDZX3

It more or less scratched the surface with many a .010 v-groove.

I figured the v-groove bit's mark could be improved on so I ordered some carbide engraving bits.  Wanted to "do it like the pros" and figured it would make all the difference in the world.

EnPoint High-precision Carbide Sharp Standard Conical Engraving V-Bit Generic 3.175mm 1/8" Shank 20 Degree 0.1mm Tip Dia CNC V-Shaped Carving Router Tool Bit for PCB Wood Acrylic Metal Copper Aluminum (Pack of 5)https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P6JFBZ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_Y5I5wbKHTBFF2

The results weren't identical of you get really close and look.  The engraving bit left a slightly finer and cleaner line (left is the engraving bit, right is the v-groove)

When installed though, I can't tell the difference.

 

[Scorpion]

Looks great!

I actually wrote to Woodpeckers to see if they had any old stock still available, but they didn't. You've motivated me to make my own. 

Thanks!

Yup, me too.  I suspect they actually have extras.  Parts or complete...I just can't get my head around them not doing so.  How they gonna help the guy who dropped his by mistake or replace a lost spacer?  I could make one but not everybody can.

I'm sure that selling one NOS defeats the lesson they want us to learn - if you don't order within the window, you miss out unless it returns some day.  It works.  Even though I really like the one I made, I still would have rather bought one and use my time for other things. 

 

[Cheese]

Yup, me too.  I suspect they actually have extras.  Parts or complete...I just can't get my head around them not doing so.  How they gonna help the guy who dropped his by mistake or replace a lost spacer?  I could make one but not everybody can.

Thanks for the engraving info & photos. [big grin] When I engraved my Kapex with additional vernier marks to easier produce angles that are +/- 1/4 degree, I used a scriber with a new carbide point. Worked pretty well but I had to be real careful not to jump out of the first scribe line I laid down. I would have liked to mill the lines instead but I didn't have access to a Bridgeport at the time.

I've talked with Richard (he owns Woodpeckers) on several occasions, and he stated that they do retain spare parts for every OTT they've ever made.
That's one of the reasons I decided to order OTT from Woodpeckers directly, so that if I ever needed a spare item, Woodpeckers would have a record of me purchasing the OTT and spare parts would not be an issue.

 

[Scorpion]

Thanks for the engraving info & photos. [big grin] When I engraved my Kapex with additional vernier marks to easier produce angles that are +/- 1/4 degree, I used a scriber with a new carbide point. Worked pretty well but I had to be real careful not to jump out of the first scribe line I laid down. I would have liked to mill the lines instead but I didn't have access to a Bridgeport at the time.

I've talked with Richard (he owns Woodpeckers) on several occasions, and he stated that they do retain spare parts for every OTT they've ever made.
That's one of the reasons I decided to order OTT from Woodpeckers directly, so that if I ever needed a spare item, Woodpeckers would have a record of me purchasing the OTT and spare parts would not be an issue.

I found a few write ups on the web where they used a scribe or a razor for marking the reference lines.  With a delicate hand and patience I could be done well...I have an ok hand and minimal patience. 

Glad to hear they keep spare parts.  My many life-time rules are used frequently with no drops (knock on wood).

 

[nclemmons]

Matt -

That's excellent.  Do you happen to have a dimensioned drawing you could share?

Thanks for the post.  Really well done!

neil

 

[Scorpion]

Matt -

That's excellent.  Do you happen to have a dimensioned drawing you could share?

Thanks for the post.  Really well done!

neil

I'd be happy to break down the various pieces and get some design drawings and specs up.  Unfortunately I can't export the CAD files from my CNC (it only has a floppy drive) so I'll have to re-draw them.  I'll see if I can spend some time putting it all together this weekend. 

Matt

 

[rmwarren]

Matt -

That's excellent.  Do you happen to have a dimensioned drawing you could share?

Thanks for the post.  Really well done!

neil

I'd be happy to break down the various pieces and get some design drawings and specs up.  Unfortunately I can't export the CAD files from my CNC (it only has a floppy drive) so I'll have to re-draw them.  I'll see if I can spend some time putting it all together this weekend. 

Matt

Ha! "Daddy, what's a floppy drive"...

Try buying a turntable at Best Buy. Took me 10 minute of fruitlessly questioning the salesperson about features before it dawned on me to ask if he had ever owned a record album. All I ever got was "Uhmn, I think that one comes with a needle".

RMW

 

[Scorpion]

Ha! "Daddy, what's a floppy drive"...

Try buying a turntable at Best Buy. Took me 10 minute of fruitlessly questioning the salesperson about features before it dawned on me to ask if he had ever owned a record album. All I ever got was "Uhmn, I think that one comes with a needle".

RMW

That story reminds me of our last trip to Disney.  We were walking around and passed a pay phone. Asked my 12 yr old "what's that?"  He had no idea.  I explained how we used to always have some change in our pockets in case of an emergency and how it could sometimes be difficult to find one when you needed to make a call.  When we got to the phone book (which was dangling below on the chain) and how we'd call a store and ask where a store was located or for directions since we didn't have cell phones and map apps...mind blown. 

 

[VW mick]

[member=27782]Scorpion[/member]

I really enjoy your posts. you have made some really cool stuff

This may be a silly question but what is the advantage of your attachment over the fence on the machine

I've had my domino a while now. I've used it quite a bit. but I have never not been able to use the fence adjustments

I am probably missing something (In fact I'm  sure I am)

 

[Scorpion]

[member=27782]Scorpion[/member]

I really enjoy your posts. you have made some really cool stuff

This may be a silly question but what is the advantage of your attachment over the fence on the machine

I've had my domino a while now. I've used it quite a bit. but I have never not been able to use the fence adjustments

I am probably missing something (In fact I'm  sure I am)

Good question.  The factory fence is awesome but has a flaw which has been noted in a bunch of posts over time.  I'm aware of it because I've read a few of the threads but am, by no means, an expert on the topic.  I've just accepted it as a product flaw and personally experienced it a few months ago.

People refer to the defect as "fence drift" I think.  What I've experienced is that the fence, when set to any height, will move ever so slightly when used repeatedly like do to how the operator puts pressure (to keep it into the material in both axis - like a down and in effort) on the domino as he cuts.  The height lock apparently isn't strong and/or tight enough to prevent this slight movement.  Fence drift may not occur on every unit, may be a defect introduced at some point in the manufacturing history, or is the result of user error (like over tightening repeatedly, worn screw, damaged threads, etc).  I have no idea which specific case I have or if it's one or more...

This accessory, as a fixed height attachment, can't drift.  The downside is that it will require different spacers for every desired offset and switching heights will take a little longer than the factory fence.

...and it looks kinda cool (clearly non-functional)

 

[VW mick]

Oh ok thanks

I'm sure I need one. Keep up the cool posts mate

 

[nclemmons]

I'd be happy to break down the various pieces and get some design drawings and specs up.  Unfortunately I can't export the CAD files from my CNC (it only has a floppy drive) so I'll have to re-draw them.  I'll see if I can spend some time putting it all together this weekend. 

Matt
[/quote]

Thanks - much appreciated!