Thanks Edgar for the inspiration!

b2ap3_thumbnail_PoePortrait.jpgThe last post hinted at a creative project making bells. After additional thought I find that to be a very intriguing idea. Bells have been made for thousands of years but there is always an excuse for more. My imagination suddenly became flooded with hundreds of ideas, creating decorative bells.

The best realization I had is that I already own everything needed from the design stage (3D-CAD) to the finished product, lost wax casting. Decorative bells are a perfect application for a 4 axis milling machine. Small bells are perfect fit for the Taig mill.

I just ordered some cylindrical wax for making the patterns. While that ships, I will plot out a basic bell design in Rhino and run the paths in the 4 axis RhinoCam that I already own.

I built the forth axis for the Taig about a year ago with no real plan for it's use. I have become excited now that I have a great application for 4-axis machining. Making my new high speed Taig mill (the one for local sale) into a semi-permanent 4 axis machine is now a definite consideration.

I am a long way from a proven method but I love the challenge I see in putting this idea into a plan and then working the plan to produce a unique product. I'll be posting on my progress and hopefully not too many failures.