I've had contrasting opinion on the utility of a motorized chip auger. The concept appeals to me. However, today I visited two shops each of which had a different recommendation (for and against). Any thoughts?
-Martin
Martin:
In my opinion, this is another one of those (It Depends). If you're doing small parts, or parts that don't make a lot of chips - like if you can go a week without having to clean out the chips - then a chip auger would be a non-essential luxury. If you're making so many chips that you have to clean out the machine twice a day, then a chip auger will be REAL handy.
We've got 4 Fadals with no chip augers, and don't miss them. We've got 1 Haas mill and 2 Haas lathes that DO have chip augers and they are absolutely necessary for the lathes, but so-so for the mill.
We're not a high volume production shop, but mainly a prototype, tooling, and short run shop.
m wrote in news:3d625b7b-8de7-442e-a4f6- snipped-for-privacy@g3g2000pre.googlegroups.com:
It depends on the volume of metal you are removing. If you are removing lots of material over a reletively short period of time and doing higher production you'll want the option. If your parts are small, low volume. and have just a small amount of metal removal, the option would be a waste of money.
They can usually be added later if your needs change.
I'd hire him. He's a pretty knowledgeable guy. Don't know if he's motorized or not.
Variable speed, runs a little slow early Monday mornings.....after first few cups of coffee gets up to speed.
Tom
And it depends on the types of chips you are making too....long stringers of nasty stainless sometimes make you wish you didnt have an auger.....
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