 Keepers
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2005-12-29 23:52
L. Omar Henderson wrote:
> Not a silly question at all -- it is a possibility and one
> recent entry into the mouthpiece game is using, I believe,
> special CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) milling machines to
> accurately reproduce their specified dimensions on mouthpiece
> blanks inside and out.
Just to let everyone know - CNC hasn't been a big deal in many, many years [ first reference I can easily find is 1957, US Air Force. MC ]. I was programming CNC using the language APT 20 years ago [ Looked it up - 1st reference I can find to APT is 1961! MC ] - and the CNC machines were already old hat in the automotive industry. The main improvements are in the software cutter path optimization codes (for the big stuff like intake manifolds, engine blocks, and gear sets).
Automated laser & probe CMM (Coordinate measuring machines) have also been around at least as long. I'd guess at least 30 years for both, since the languages and technologies were pretty robust 20 years back.
The real advantage to CNC machinery is repeatability & speed. The standard machining problems (compensating for cutter wear, reflow of material, chatter, etc.) still apply, but once you (more or less) solve the problems you can produce many nearly identical items for a very low price.
Things made with a CNC mill should actually cost significantly less than something made with a hand operated milling machine - that's why major manufacturers have adopted them lock, stock, and barrel.
[ A pretty nice 9x49 CNC controlled 4-axis, variable spindle speed mill can be had new for under 15 grand. MC ]
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Brenda Siewert |
2005-12-29 15:16 |
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Ken Shaw |
2005-12-29 15:31 |
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Brenda Siewert |
2005-12-29 15:35 |
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L. Omar Henderson |
2005-12-29 17:33 |
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Brenda Siewert |
2005-12-29 18:05 |
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L. Omar Henderson |
2005-12-29 18:38 |
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frank |
2005-12-29 20:09 |
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L. Omar Henderson |
2005-12-29 22:55 |
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L. Omar Henderson |
2005-12-29 23:40 |
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Re: Vintage, or Vintage Clone? new |
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Mark Charette |
2005-12-29 23:52 |
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archer1960 |
2005-12-30 14:08 |
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Bill |
2005-12-30 15:02 |
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frank |
2005-12-30 18:23 |
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Chetclarinet |
2005-12-30 18:51 |
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Brenda Siewert |
2005-12-30 19:34 |
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DAVE |
2006-01-01 19:46 |
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Gregory Smith |
2006-01-01 22:17 |
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Llewsrac |
2006-01-01 22:45 |
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L. Omar Henderson |
2006-01-02 03:03 |
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Gregory Smith |
2006-01-02 18:51 |
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Brenda Siewert |
2006-01-02 21:37 |
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Shorthand |
2006-01-02 23:57 |
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Gregory Smith |
2006-01-03 00:55 |
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Shorthand |
2006-01-03 04:39 |
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Shorthand |
2006-01-03 04:40 |
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Alseg |
2006-01-03 01:16 |
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Alseg |
2006-01-03 14:20 |
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Brenda Siewert |
2006-01-03 14:45 |
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William |
2006-01-03 17:08 |
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Gregory Smith |
2006-01-03 17:49 |
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L. Omar Henderson |
2006-01-03 18:31 |
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Scotti |
2006-01-03 19:45 |
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Sylvain |
2006-01-03 20:05 |
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Brenda Siewert |
2006-01-03 20:37 |
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mnorswor |
2006-01-03 22:10 |
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Gregory Smith |
2006-01-03 22:40 |
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Brenda Siewert |
2006-01-03 22:47 |
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Gregory Smith |
2006-01-04 01:48 |
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GBK |
2006-01-04 02:43 |
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The Clarinet Pages
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