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CNC Surface Grinder Retrofit

2023-10-31
Projects
Tig
Machining
Tool
Portfolio
Summary:
  • Designed and machined custom brackets, mounts, and driveline components to retrofit a manual surface grinder with CNC-driven motion
  • Built alignment fixtures and mounting aids to ensure accurate part installation against existing machine geometry constraints
  • Integrated stepper motors, wiring, and control hardware to produce a functional multi-axis grinding prototype
  • Iterated through physical testing to validate motion accuracy and achieve measurable test-grind results on the retrofitted system

Context

The goal was to retrofit a surface grinder with CNC-driven motion so the machine could move beyond a purely manual workflow.

What I built

This project involved the brackets, mounts, driveline details, and supporting control hardware needed to make the retrofit work as an integrated machine system.

Technical scope

The work included:

  • designing and machining custom retrofit parts
  • building fixtures and alignment aids for accurate installation
  • integrating motors, wiring, and supporting control hardware
  • iterating through testing to reach useful grinding results

Constraints and trade-offs

Retrofit work means adapting to the geometry and limitations of an existing machine instead of designing from a blank sheet.

Results

The retrofit produced a working prototype with encouraging test-grind results and provides a strong example of machine modification and controls integration.

Why it matters for hiring

This is a direct example of the kind of retrofit and machine-improvement work that is relevant to custom tooling, machinery upgrades, and special-purpose equipment.

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3D Printed Drones Upgrading Shop Air Compressor Aluminum Mountains Layered Backup Workflow Bosswatt Prototype
Featured Work
Welding PositionerSurface Grinder Retrofit
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Specific Solutions LLC
Portland, OR