Do-it-yourself wood slotting machine: video, photo

Homemade slotting machine

homemade slotting machine with a vertically positioned actuating tool
The choice of drilling and slotting machines is quite large, as is their cost. Therefore, you can make a small slotting machine with your own hands for your home carpentry workshop. We present two models: the first requires a large investment of labor, the actuator of the second will be a manual milling machine.

A machine made from something that can be found in any garage

To make slotting machines with your own hands, you need the skills of a welder, turner and a variety of metal rubbish:

electric motor, suitable for a washing machine;
piece of channel;
metal corner 30 x 30 and corner 50 x 50;
thick plywood;
pins;
clamps;
pipe cuttings;
nuts 4 pcs.

Making a homemade woodworking machine:

The machine frame is welded from a channel along which the platform moves on guides. At the left end of the channel we weld a platform for mounting the electric motor. It is necessary to drill holes in it for the mounting bolts;
We weld a metal plate with our own hands to the right end with a length equal to the stroke of the carriage. There should be a protrusion of 5 - 7 cm on each side of the channel. We weld corners 30 x 30 with an upward angle to the protruding parts - these will be the rails for the carriage;
We put the same sections of corners on the rails and weld rails for transverse movement perpendicularly to them, on which we put the second ones, already welded to the platform. We assemble the base of the platform from the corner, cut out the platform from wood (plywood);
We attach homemade clamps made from pins, nuts and pipe sections to the platform;
connect the electrical wire with a plug to the engine;
We coat the rails generously with grease and the machine is ready for work.

Machine made from a manual milling machine

platform for router with trailing arm

A slotting machine of this design has several advantages:

the cutter itself and the area of wood being processed are in plain sight, which means the process can be controlled;
you can set the horizontal level of movement of the cutter, that is, identical slots are made on many workpieces.

To make it yourself you will need the following materials:

block of wood;
plywood 10 mm;
metal pin;
self-tapping screws;
jigsaw;
screwdriver

DIY machine assembly process:

cut out a rectangle from plywood, the dimensions of which depend on the dimensions of the router;
We attach two bars along the edges to self-tapping screws. The handles of the router will rest on the bars; this is taken into account when choosing the height. The milling cutter must be leveled so that the axis of the electric motor is positioned strictly horizontally;
A metal pin is provided for attaching the router. Holes are drilled in the bars and base of the router for it.

mounting the router on the site

After installing the router, you can use it as a drilling and slotting machine. However, you will have to move and hold it manually. To improve the ergonomics of the device, we supplement it with pushers-levers:

We cut out a large rectangle from plywood and attach a block to its long edge using self-tapping screws. We screw the pusher-lever to the block with our own hands in the longitudinal direction. It will move the tool in depth.

To move the tool perpendicularly, it is necessary to move the lower plywood layer. The rod of the additional lever is fixed to the block on the right on the long side of the plywood. We attach a joint with a handle to the worktop. To use this mechanism efficiently, it is necessary that two sheets of plywood slide smoothly and easily over each other. Therefore, you can replace one of them with a metal sheet, put it on ball bearings or rub it with wax.

The first video demonstrates the operation of a slotting machine, the manufacture of which we described:

Creation sequence

If you have already found all the necessary materials, then you can start creating the machine. During production, we recommend following these instructions:

Using a channel, create a frame for the machine. It is along this node that the device platform will move. On the left side of the channel we weld a base for mounting the electric motor. Holes for the bolts should be drilled in it.
On the right side of the channel it is necessary to weld a metal strip with a length corresponding to the stroke of the carriage. The plate should protrude 5 mm on each side of the channel.
It is necessary to weld corners with dimensions 30X30 onto the protruding elements of the plate. Elements must be attached with corners up. This corner will serve as a rail for the carriage of our machine.
At the level with the longitudinal rails, we weld the same corners in the transverse direction. They are necessary to move the carriage in the transverse plane. We put the same corners welded to the platform on all the rails.
We cut out a platform for the platform from thick plywood.
We form homemade clamps from nuts, pipe sections and pins and attach them to the platform.
We connect the electrical cable with a plug to the motor.

Before using the machine, the rails should be lubricated with grease.

Video: homemade slotting machine.

Features of slotting machines

Both professional and home-made slotting machines consist of the same structural elements, which allow such equipment to effectively perform all the functions assigned to it. The basis of any slotting machine is the frame on which its other structural elements are mounted: a work table, a slotter - a tool with sharp teeth, a rocker mechanism, a feed box, a drive, which can be mechanical, electric and hydraulic.

Serial slotting machines, which are considered professional equipment, are equipped with a hydraulic drive. Working on such more advanced equipment, due to the presence of a hydraulic drive, is much easier and more convenient. A homemade machine for chiseling metal has a simpler design, but is still capable of successfully coping with many technological operations.

The operating principle of the slotting machine is demonstrated in the video:

The design of professional slotting machines has a number of other important elements: a cooling system, systems responsible for controlling the equipment and ensuring the uninterrupted operation of all components of the device. The hydraulic drive of the machine is located inside its frame, and programming its operation using a special system allows the slider, which makes reciprocating movements, to perform them according to precisely specified parameters.

A metal slotting machine allows you to perform a whole range of technological operations: forming keyways, grooves and splines on surfaces of both flat and shaped types, obtaining cuts and grooves in cylindrical and conical holes. This machine can be used to process external surfaces whose height does not exceed 320 mm, as well as internal ones with a depth of no more than 250 mm.

The movement of the worktable of this equipment can be achieved using a manual or mechanical transmission, and can also be performed in a straight line or in a circle, which makes it possible to process gears and other round-shaped metal parts on such a machine. Unlike a professional one, a homemade machine can process parts only in two planes, which significantly reduces its functionality.

Types of machines

Equipment with this functionality can be divided into two categories:

centrifugal slotting machines with a chain on the links of which slotting cutters are located. They are used in large woodworking plants and furniture factories;
a device with a slotting head for a milling machine or similar analogues with a special drill, which are usually intended for doing work at home.

The main part of centrifugal devices with a cutter function is a cutting chain, on the links of which there are sharp slotting cutters for keyways. The design consists of a frame on which a movable support with an electric drive is fixed, as well as a work table with a special vice that clamps the workpiece. When the machine is turned on, the rotation from the gear is transmitted to the chain through a sprocket, which sets the cutting part in motion, thereby ensuring the chiselling of the groove. A drawing of the device is presented below.

There are slotting machines, the working table of which is in a static position, and the cut is performed by a movable support, and their analogues with a moving table on a roller mechanism, where the cutting chain is stationary. In this case, it can be a slotting machine with a mechanical drive or a hydraulic system (HD)

Please note that during longitudinal movement of the workpiece, the work is performed exclusively on a slotting machine with a moving table. The unit, which performs the chiselling of grooves using a drill, completely replicates in its structure a traditional milling machine, without which no furniture production or carpentry shop can do.

Selection rules

If you want to work with efficient and safe equipment, be sure to read its description when purchasing. Industrial designs must have a rich functional content, thanks to which it will be possible to mill and drill the surface being processed. Portable slotting machines of compact size are convenient to move from place to place, but they are not suitable for cutting grooves deeper than 100 mm and cannot operate continuously for a long time due to their low power.

Experienced craftsmen definitely recommend finding out how much the slotting head of the machine can rotate and what is the degree of inclination of the roller mechanism that regulates the position of the table. It is highly desirable that the mortising machine allows for point-blank slotting, as this function allows for deep cutting of large-sized lumber, if necessary. Of course, the richer the equipment, the higher its price. On modern models, the slotting head or bed is driven by an electric hydraulic motor, while mechanical samples belong to products of the previous generation.

There are several criteria that you should focus on when purchasing a grooving cutter

. First of all, you need to decide on the dimensions of the workpieces that will be processed on this unit. Of course, important indicators are the power, safety system and equipment that the slotting device has.

Homemade machines

A homemade wood chisel is not that difficult to make if you really want to. Of course, it will be much inferior to its factory analogues, but it can handle standard wooden products for a summer house or home, plus the price of such an assistant is several times lower than its serial analogues.

Hand cutter for the machine.

It is most convenient to make a wood cutter using a hand cutter. Of course, in the absence of one, you can use an electric motor of appropriate power or a powerful electric drill, but in these cases you should not count on long-term and high-quality work, because they are not adapted to constant lateral load on the shaft.

Small platform for the cutter.

Initially, the router is rigidly mounted in a horizontal position. This way, during the work, we will be able to clearly see the cutter and the selected groove itself. Plus, with a horizontal stroke level, it is much easier to make a series of identical holes.

Assembly of components, side view.

Thick plywood from 10 mm is used as a basis. Platform dimensions vary depending on the dimensions of your router. The tool is installed strictly horizontally, level, the accuracy of the work performed depends on this. For rigid fixation, two identical bars are placed under the handles of the router, the entire structure is pressed with a metal pin, as in the photo.

Assembly of units, top view.

In principle, you can already work with such a device, but you will have to adjust the depth and size of the hole yourself. To ensure relative accuracy and the ability to make identical parts, a small improvement will be needed.

Lever device.

To ensure controlled transverse and longitudinal movement of the tool, you need to install 2 levers with a perpendicular guide vector. Provided that we already have a stationary frame, we will need another 1 sheet of larger plywood for arrangement.

Installation of platforms on the frame.

On a larger sheet, behind the platform with the router, a block with a lever is rigidly fixed. Another block is attached to the platform to movably fix the rod. The movement is carried out through the rod between the lever and the platform. Thus, we gain the ability to control depth.

Fixing the block with clamps.

To ensure transverse movement, a similar lever is fixed to the frame, only now it is connected by a rod to a large sheet and will move perpendicularly. Since plywood is a thin material, you will also have to secure a block for the rod on a larger sheet.

This device can be improved by installing guide slides made of thin wooden blocks. The above operating principle can be mirrored in table arrangements. In this case, the cutter will be stationary, and the selection will be carried out due to the movement of the table.

Homemade machine made from an electric motor.

The video in this article shows the operation of a slotting machine.

What types of machines are there?

In principle, the choice here is small; such equipment comes in two types:

In large industries, centrifugal machines with a cutting chain are often used.
For more modest scales or work at home, craftsmen use a wood slotting drill, which functions in a similar way to a milling cutter.

Professional equipment

The main element of a centrifugal machine is a special chain, consisting of individual links connected by a hinge. Each link has a sharply ground milling tooth.

The chain itself is tensioned on a guide bar, in the lower part of which a roller is installed, and the upper part of the bar is equipped with an asterisk, which actually drives the mechanism.

Diagram of a slotting machine with a chain.

The structure of such equipment is relatively simple. A movable support with an electric motor is mounted on a common frame and a table with a fixing mechanism is installed, into which the part is clamped. When the electric motor starts, rotation through a belt or gear drive is applied to the sprocket, which drives the chain.

Although the principle of operation is generally similar, there are machines on which the cutting is carried out using a movable support, with a stationary table. And machines in which the milling chain is fixedly fixed, and the table, in turn, is equipped with a roller slide driven by a mechanical or hydraulic system.

Machine with movable support.

Chain slotting machines for wood are characterized by resistance to loads and a significant service life. But the cross-section of the hole will strictly correspond to the cross-section of the chain, and to change it you need to change the chain itself.

Plus, when inserted into an array, the chain breaks off the edges of the hole, making them uneven. But this defect is inherent only in old equipment with an unstable clamping mechanism.

Photo of a milling type slotting machine.

Recommendations for choosing equipment

Industrial equipment must be distinguished not only by reliability, but also by serious functional content, so that in case of partial repurposing you do not have to buy a new machine.

You should pay attention to what angle the cutting head can be rotated, as well as the maximum possible degree of inclination of the slide. In addition, it is desirable that the working area be equipped with additional rotation mechanisms.

If the instructions contain instructions about the possibility of point-blank chiselling, then this indicates the presence of a device for working with large products and a serious cutting depth.

Professional slotting drills for wood.

Particular attention should be paid to the drive of the table or cutting head. Modern equipment is equipped only with electric or hydraulic drives

Mechanical models have been used before, and if you are offered a machine with such a drive, then it is either old or homemade.

Portable, portable equipment is not suitable for serious production with a large load. Such mechanisms are not designed for chiselling holes deeper than 100 mm; they will not be able to work continuously for a long time, plus their power leaves much to be desired. In fact, the main advantage here is the reasonable price.

If we briefly formulate the main set of factors that you need to pay attention to, it will look something like this:

Milling diagram.

First of all, you should know the range of dimensions of the parts that are planned to be processed.
Maximum and minimum depth, width, and cutting configuration.
Starting and operating power of equipment.
Availability of automatic overload protection and the ability to operate without mandatory grounding.
The country plays an important role, as well as the name of the manufacturer. Sometimes it makes sense to take a less functional European than a “stuffed” Chinese.

Characteristics of slotting machines.

Electric drive of a homemade grooving machine

Various tools can be used as an electric drive to rotate the cutter: an electric drill, an angle grinder (grinder), a hand router or an electric motor.

Let's consider the advantages and disadvantages of various drive options for a homemade slotting machine:

Wood slotting machine with electric drill. The simplest and most financially profitable option is to make a unit based on an electric drill. The advantages of this choice are the low cost and ease of installation of the drill. Among the disadvantages, it should be noted the low speed of operation due to the relatively low revolutions. It is not effective for cutting deep grooves, but it has proven itself well when chamfering and for work that does not require a lot of power.
A hand router is essentially designed for this type of work, and when mounted on a frame, its functionality expands significantly. The costs in this case will be slightly higher, since the cost of such a tool exceeds the cost of the drill. Among the advantages, it is worth noting higher revolutions of the cutting tool, and therefore higher productivity.
Use of an angle grinder (grinder). The advantages of using an angle grinder are high speeds and resistance of tool parts to lateral load on the shaft. The disadvantage is that the cutter is mounted on the shaft; you often have to use an adapter.
Homemade wood slotting machine with an electric motor. The advantage of the electric motor is good performance due to high speeds. The disadvantage is the complexity of fastening and the use of additional parts: belt, spindle and others.

Tool

Many people prefer to use an ordinary drill on a wood cutter made according to drawings with their own hands. They are more used to working. Not everyone can immediately start working with a special tool without skills (from correspondence on forums). However, those who have mastered professional slotting drills and cutters prefer only them because of the quality of the resulting grooves and grooves.

This tool is suitable for processing soft and hard wood and can accurately cut a standard socket in a finished product (doors, factory-made furniture).

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Description of the metal cutting machine Stalex B5013

This equipment can be purchased for RUB 182,500. It is a device that has a power of 250 W. The unit is intended for working with metal workpieces. The machine allows you to produce grooves in different surfaces, which can be:

flat;
conical;
cylindrical;
shaped.

A metal slotting machine allows you to adjust the position of the table mechanically. The model is suitable for work by professionals and household users. The table tilt angle reaches 45°. The device operates from a 380 V mains voltage. The maximum bit stroke is 125 mm.

The longitudinal travel of the work table is equivalent to 560 mm. Considering the characteristics of the slotting machine, you will also note the dimensions, which are 1090 x 1120 x 790 mm. The device weighs 330 kg. The desktop has the following parameters: 800 x 240 mm.

Basic machine models

The most popular and widespread model of a metal slotting machine is the “GD”, which is represented by the 200 and 500 series. A more modern and functional slotting machine is the S315TGI model, which is also very popular among domestic manufacturers. Such a machine, in contrast to simpler models and devices made by hand, allows you to effectively perform a large list of technological operations on metal.

When choosing serial slotting machines, you cannot simply rely on promotional videos; you should take into account a number of important parameters. One of the most important characteristics is the maximum height of the workpiece that can be processed on the machine. Significant parameters of such a machine for metal are also: power, dimensions of the tool and the ability to adjust it, the presence of longitudinal and transverse stroke, permissible angle of inclination and speed parameters of the cutter. When choosing such a machine, you should also pay attention to its dimensions and weight, which affect its stability and ease of maintenance, and whether it is equipped with additional devices that significantly increase the functionality of the device.

Machine GD-500

Homemade device from a milling cutter

Many craftsmen prefer to make slotting machines from a router. The advantage of such a device is a good overview of the surface being processed and the ability to move the cutter in a horizontal plane. In turn, this allows you to perform the same work on several parts sequentially.

In this case, we will need wooden blocks, a piece of thick plywood (about 1 cm), a metal pin, a screwdriver, self-tapping screws and an electric jigsaw. The creation sequence is as follows:

From a piece of plywood we cut out a rectangle corresponding to the parameters of the router.
We attach self-tapping screws along the edges of the wooden blocks. It is on the wooden blocks that the router handles will be attached, which must be taken into account when choosing a horizontal level. It must be remembered that the electric motor should only be located in a horizontal position.
A hole is also made in the block for a pin on which the router will be attached.
To avoid having to hold the router with your hands while working, we add a special lever to the device. With its help you can move the tool in depth. To install this part, we attach a wooden block to a rectangular piece of plywood, to which we attach our lever.
To move the cutter in the longitudinal direction we make special guides. The stroke of the cutter can be limited using special bars.
To move the tool perpendicularly, move the bottom layer of plywood. A block with an additional lever rod is attached to the long side of the plywood. For such a mechanism to work correctly. The two layers of plywood should slide easily over each other.

Before starting work, you need to set the part at the desired level using wooden blocks. It should be secured in this position using special clamps.

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Details

Wood slotting machines have a relatively simple structure, which allows you to make them yourself. Most of the elements for creating such a device yourself can be found in a home workshop. To make a slotting machine at home you will need:

Electric motor (for example, from an old washing machine).
Channel.
Two corners with dimensions 30X30 and 50X50.
A piece of thick plywood.
4 nuts.
Bolts.
Tripods.
Pipe sections.

To correctly design a machine, you must have the basic skills of a welder and turner. At the same time, you should not overuse welds, because they tend to deform under constant loads or vibrations. If you know that you cannot weld structural elements yourself, then seek help from a friend who has great skills in this area.

Varieties

The equipment in question can be classified according to many criteria, but they all have similarities, which led to the formation of two main groups:

In production, where productivity is a fairly important indicator, a centrifugal woodworking slotting machine is used. As a rule, it is large in size and can be used to create various grooves.
At home, you can use a manual slotting machine or a wood slotting drill. Such equipment works on the principle of a milling cutter.

A household wood slotting machine has a relatively simple design and low cost. However, an industrial grooving machine is often affordable only for large production organizations that carry out mass production.

Tool

This tool is suitable for processing soft and hard wood and can accurately cut a standard socket in a finished product (doors, factory-made furniture).

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Principle of operation

According to their purpose, slotting machines are divided into two types: standard and specialized. Standard slotting machines are universal units that can be used to carry out a wide variety of operations. Specialized devices are designed for processing complex parts - punches, gears, etc.

The machines are driven by a drive. It can be equipped with three different types of mechanisms:

crank;
hydraulic;
with a rotating scene.

The main processing tool is a hollow metal cutter (chisel) with a square drill inside. It is mounted on a vertical moving slider. The carriage allows you to drill even very large grooves in the workpiece.

The operating principle of the slotting machine is dual-mode. In the case of a simple mode, processing is carried out by repeated contact of the cutter with the workpiece at different points of the same plane. For example, a series of parallel holes of the same diameter and depth is drilled. A machine with a simple operating mode can be made manually.

In complex mode, the workpiece is processed in different planes, with multiple rotations of the carriage with the cutter in different directions, at different angles. This way you can drill grooves and recesses in hard-to-reach places on the part. Units operating in complex or combined modes are manufactured only using professional equipment. It is almost impossible to make such an installation at home yourself.

What does the device consist of?

Both the homemade machine and the professional machine have the same content that allows the device to function.

Each device has a frame on which there is a table, a cutter equipped with sharp teeth, which is a tool for operating the device, a rocker mechanism with a box responsible for the speed of feeding, as well as a drive of one of three types (can be hydraulic, mechanical and electric).

A machine made by yourself is simpler, but professional hydraulic machines are more advanced, and it’s easier to work with your own hands.

The mechanism of such a machine also includes several component units: it operates thanks to a hydraulic system, a system responsible for cooling, a bed, a slotting cutter, a feed box, a table, a control system and equipment that is responsible for the operation of the system.

The hydraulic drive itself must be inserted into the frame; the device programs the forward and backward movements, which are performed by the slider.

This type of machine is used to create keyways, splines and grooves mounted on shaped or flat surfaces.

It is also used to work with flat or shaped surfaces, to create cuts and grooves for holes in the shape of a cylinder or cone, as well as to perform chiselling with undercuts at the required degree (but not more than 10).

The machine can be used to process the external surface of parts not exceeding a height of 320 mm, as well as the internal space - up to 250 mm.

The machine can be used for private or small-scale production, as well as in private workshops.

The machine is equipped with three types of table feeding capabilities, which allows you to work on a machine with multiple surfaces using only one type of installation.

The machine is also capable of multi-machine operation thanks to its table capabilities, programmed stop system and remote control.

The device is used to process, by chiselling, internal parts of flat and shaped types, grooves and grooves of various parts, as well as types of dies installed on the table itself, or fixed in specialized devices.

The machine is capable of processing the surface of parts at an angle without changing the original position of the part, due to the fact that the frame on which the cutter is located can be rotated.

The table can be moved both manually and mechanically, and thanks to the circular feed of the table, the machine can process gears or round-shaped parts.

The feed passes into the table through a movable cylinder connected to the hydraulic transmission.

The frame has three options for how the feed can move: circular, longitudinal and transverse - thanks to them, the table can be moved in three different directions at once: vertically, horizontally or in a circle.

A conventional or self-made device has only two planes along which the feed moves, so the advantages of a hydraulic device are obvious: it is easier to work with and the quality of the parts will be higher.

Features of slotting machines

The operating principle of the slotting machine is demonstrated in the video:

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Professional machines

The most successful domestic models are slotting machines GD-200, GD-320, GD-500. They are designed for small-scale production of parts from flat, cylindrical, conical and shaped blanks. By chiselling and drilling you can obtain splined and grooved recesses, keyways in the most inaccessible places of workpieces.

The height of the outer surface of the workpiece corresponds to the range of machines - 200, 320 and 500 mm. The size of internal treated surfaces should not exceed 250 mm.

Note! The most modern multifunctional model is S315TGI. It has a more complex structure than the units of the GD series.

The list of functions of this model includes operations on wood and metal. It is not difficult to assemble such a slotting machine with your own hands. The fact is that, unlike artisanal ones, in professional models the carriage with the workpiece can move in any direction - horizontally, vertically, diagonally. Various equipment helps the machine operator process workpieces along two circuits - closed and open.

Compared to other types of processing units, the slotting machine can move in a straight line, in opposite directions.

The cutter (cutting element) with the cutter mounted on it moves at an angle to the vertical plane. This makes it easy to process surfaces inclined to the machine axis. This is how grooves for wedge keys are made and dies are processed. It should be noted that professional slotting machines of the latest generation are successfully used in large-scale production of wood and metal products.

The operation of the units is ensured by asynchronous motors. They facilitate complex and time-consuming processing operations. Rotational motion is transmitted directly. This allows you to maintain high efficiency and ensure high productivity. Starting is carried out using magnetic starters. They play the role of fuses in case of possible unintentional starting of the engine.

Professional slotting machines differ from simpler models in their rather massive dimensions. Their installation must be done on frames or workbenches. The machine passport must contain its main characteristics. Mechanisms and equipment of professional machines must be equipped with certificates of conformity and documents for warranty service. Professional models can be equipped with CNC equipment.

Do-it-yourself wood slotting machine: drawings, installation instructions

You can easily make a do-it-yourself wood slotting machine in your own home workshop. Such equipment is necessary for selecting grooves, grooves, sockets in metal and wood. The cutter of such equipment rotates around an axis and during operation makes reciprocating movements. As for the parts, they perform intermittent feeding movements.

Familiarization with design features

A slotting machine is a hollow base that is used to hold a post in place. The structure has a column, inside of which the drive mechanisms are located. A cutter is installed on the front side of the stand, from the bottom of which a tool holder is fixed. The position of the cutter can be changed in relation to the tabletop using clamps.

The cutter will move, its stroke will determine the length of processing of the parts. The level of the cutter in relation to the workpiece can be adjusted. The slider, which has a drive, operates on hydraulic or mechanical traction. A wood slotting machine is quite simple to make; it can be used in furniture production. Such equipment is suitable for the production of any carpentry blanks.

For a home workshop, you can easily make the equipment described. As an example, we can consider two options. The first does not involve significant labor costs. An ordinary manual milling cutter will act as the actuator of the second device. To independently manufacture a slotting machine, you must have the skills of a turner and welder. Before assembly, prepare the appropriate tools and necessary materials, including:

Electrical engine;
metal corner;
piece of channel;
4 mm thick plywood;
pipe cuttings;
clamp;
nuts

Stock up on two types of metal corners: the first piece should have a side of 30 mm, the second - 50 mm. Fastening will be carried out with four nuts.

Machine installation

When you make a wood slotting machine with your own hands, its frame is made of a channel along which the platform will move with the help of guides. At the left end of the channel it is necessary to fix the platform for the electric motor and make holes in it for the mounting bolts.

The metal plate is installed on the right end and welded. Allowances of 7 cm should be left on each side of the channel. A smaller corner is installed on these protruding parts - its corners should be directed upward, this will allow the rails for the carriage to be formed.

At the next, final stage, you need to connect an electric drive with a plug to the engine. Homemade machines are considered ready when the rails are well treated with grease.

Making a machine from a hand milling machine

If the assembly is carried out using such a simple technology, the design will have a number of advantages, among which the location of the workpiece and the cutter being processed should be highlighted. This suggests that the process can be controlled. The master will be able to set the level of movement of the cutter, he will have the opportunity to make identical nests on different workpieces.

Preparation of tool materials

Homemade machines from a manual milling cutter are made using special tools and materials, among which the following should be mentioned:

block of wood;
metal pin;
electric jigsaw;
10 mm plywood;
self-tapping screws;
screwdriver

Machine assembly

At the first stage of assembling the machine, it is necessary to cut a rectangle from plywood, the dimensions of which will depend on the parameters of the router. Next, you need to secure the bars with self-tapping screws, placing them along the edges. The handles of the router will rest on the bars, which should be taken into account when choosing the height

When making a wood slotting machine with your own hands, it is important to prepare drawings in advance

The milling cutter must be installed level, then the motor axis will be horizontal.

To fix the router, you need to install a metal pin. Holes are made in the base of the machine and in the bars for it. Once the router is installed, it can be used as a slotting machine, but you will have to hold it and move it manually. To improve the ergonomics of the device, the design can be supplemented with pusher levers.

Making a machine yourself

There are many options for making a do-it-yourself wood slotting machine. Each master makes the device in accordance with available spare parts, skills and needs.

General diagram of the machine

With any choice, it is first useful to draw up drawings of the future equipment with verified dimensions. The dimensions of the installation must correspond to the work tasks and the room. It is not recommended to make a bed that is too large if you do not plan to process large parts - it is inconvenient to work with small parts and control the process at a massive workplace.

If there is an infrequent need for a slotting device, it is advisable to make it in a removable or portable form. On one table you can combine several types of homemade devices (drilling, cutting, etc.). The tool head can be mounted and removed as necessary, without cluttering the working surface of the machine, in small workshops.

Machine with stationary drill

The simplest type of homemade device from scrap materials that are always available in the home workshop:

channel;
engine from old household appliances;
metal corners;
thick plywood;
bolts, nuts.

Manufacturing sequence:

Install a piece of channel perpendicular to the working surface of the table - it will serve as the base for moving the platform.
Attach the motor to the rear edge of the channel, and weld a metal strip to the front edge, the length of which is equal to the stroke of the carriage.
Weld metal corners onto the edges of the strip.
Perpendicular to the lower level of the platform, install a second upper level, assembled according to the same principle.
Connect the levels to each other through a weld at the corners.
Cut out the backing for the platform from plywood.
Fix the wooden workpiece being processed using clamps or a vice.
Before starting work, lubricate the rails with grease to ensure smooth running.
Connect the electrical wiring to the motor.

Assembling a slotting machine

Machine made from a manual milling machine

To make a slotting machine at home, many carpenters prefer to use a manual milling cutter - a movable working tool has a number of advantages compared to a rigid mount. A good overview of the working surface and the ability to move it expand the functionality of the device and allow you to control the sampling depth.

General sequence of manufacturing work:

Making a slotting unit with your own hands

From a sheet of plywood about 10 mm thick, cut a rectangle according to the dimensions of the router.
Place wooden beams under the handles and secure with self-tapping screws.
Firmly fix the router by pressing it to the base with metal pins. Use a level to properly fix the tool.
Attach the lever for moving and adjusting the milling depth to another plywood base.
Install guides for moving the router on the metal corners of the frame.
Connect the units of the unit into a single working circuit.
Place the wooden part for carpentry at the required level, placing blocks and fixing it with a vice.
Connect the device to the network.

A wood slotting machine is designed to make grooves, grooves and other holes. Manual performance of these operations requires increased effort and time from the carpenter, and it is quite difficult to achieve the required level of accuracy and precision in performing the work.

Homemade equipment is not suitable for opening a furniture workshop, but it will fully cover the needs of a home craftsman. If you have welding and turning skills, you can assemble a drilling and slotting device with your own hands from scrap materials and devices.

Features of the slotting device

Professional and home-made machines have a similar, relatively simple design, which implements one of two cutting principles:

using a movable working tool on a fixed tabletop;
by feeding the part on a movable slide to the cutting element.

According to the location of the tool in relation to the workpiece:

parallel to the tabletop, the cut occurs in a horizontal plane;
perpendicular to the tabletop, with the drill moving in a vertical plane.

As a rule, when making a slotting machine yourself, the cutting tool is attached to the engine directly or through a belt drive and is located in a horizontal plane, parallel to the base. In more professional designs or homemade machines based on a press, milling or drilling machine, the working device has a vertical stroke relative to the base.

Equipment types

Choosing your type of machine begins with planning the volume of required products in the medium term. Based on this, the necessary equipment for the job is determined:

The production of building parts and connections of wooden elements at furniture factories involves the use of high-performance industrial machines.
For one-time needs, you can get results using a drill and chisel. In this case, you will have to spend more time selecting wood and adjusting the incoming tenon, but the homemade slotter will not stand idle without work.
In a private workshop, where the need for this type of processing periodically arises, it is better to install a homemade slotting machine, which makes it possible to quickly make several parts from wood.

Industrial production equipment for small carpenters often has a vertical stroke of the working body in relation to the table. In a do-it-yourself wood slotting machine, a horizontal drill arrangement is used, which is more convenient for manual operations. Exceptions are installations converted on the basis of a press, drilling or milling machine.

Manufacturing of CNC machine

Manufacturing a CNC machine is slightly different from the technology for creating a conventional machine in that there is a program that will control its operation. However, like many other machines, it is based on a beam with a rectangular cross-section.

It is important to use bolts rather than welding for fastening, as this will provide greater strength (vibration on bolts has less impact than on welds).

Try to provide for the possibility of moving the machine vertically. This will give you more room to experiment and use your imagination.

When assembling, it is best to start with the motors. They must run on electricity and be of the stepper type. They must be attached directly to the axis, vertically. One will move the router horizontally, the other - up and down. After installing the engines, proceed to attaching the remaining parts of the structure.

Rotational movements will be transmitted through a belt system. This will ensure the operation of the node system.

Important selection criteria

Choosing the right unit is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. There are several important parameters, the complex of which will allow you to purchase exactly the kind of tool that is needed for the manufacture of parts:

machine power;
the ability to adjust components, assemblies and equipment;
dimensions of processing tools;
the ability to move the processing tool in different directions, in three planes;
maximum angle of inclination and speed of the cutter.

In addition to specialized parameters, you need to take into account the dimensions and weight of the product. The stability of the bed and ease of operation directly depend on them. The unit is equipped with additional devices and equipment. Good equipment significantly increases the functionality and productivity of a slotting machine.

Important characteristics when choosing equipment

The main technological parameters of slotting machines include the dimensions of the working space and the metal cutting force. In addition, the same models may differ in the type of control system (indication, preset position, CNC) and additional equipment (devices for feeding workpieces, quick-clamping equipment, chip removal mechanisms, etc.). But still, when choosing a slotting machine, first of all it is necessary to analyze the following technical characteristics:

The amount of travel of the slider. This indicator determines the maximum processing depth of the part.
The size of the working surface of the table. The maximum dimensions of the part for a given model of slotting machine depend on it.
Speed of movement of the slider. Usually measured in m/min, but on some models it is indicated in double strokes per minute. The metal cutting speed and, accordingly, the productivity of the machine depend on this parameter (in combination with the following).
Maximum cutting force. It is measured in kilonewtons and directly determines the performance of the equipment, especially when cutting metal at high feed rates during roughing.

In addition to technological ones, operational indicators are also important. These primarily include power consumption, the design of lubrication systems and the type of main drive (electric or hydraulic).

Structure and principle of operation of a slotting machine

A homemade slotting machine consists of the following main parts:

a base on which a movable platform is installed for fastening carpentry blanks;
electric motor with power up to 2 kW;
shaft - at one end a belt drive is installed to the engine, at the other - a chuck for an actuating rotating tool (cutter, drill, cutter);
parts holders, vices;
levers for raising/lowering and adjusting the movement of the stand;
on/off button;
additional options, depending on work tasks.

General diagram of the design of a slotting machine
The operating principle of a homemade slotting unit is based on the reciprocating motion of a rotating drilling and slotting tool. The process of making holes in wooden parts occurs according to the following scheme:

the workpiece is installed on the stand and securely secured with a vice;
the drill (cutter) is fixed in the shaft chuck, the motor starts;
with a movable frame structure, the workpiece is fed to a drilling (slotting) tool, which makes a hole of the required parameters and configuration.

To obtain an elongated groove, the workpiece is moved perpendicular to the drill, the drilled holes are combined into a single sample. The stroke of the cutter, which can be adjusted, determines the sample size.

Making an elongated groove

How to make a circular saw at home

The first thing you need to decide on is the dimensions of the future machine.

Dimensions of a stationary circular saw bed

They are selected based on the amount of work to be done. For sawing large workpieces and firewood, a fairly large table is required. To trim wane from an unedged board, a long table is required, etc. In this case, the optimal height of the machine is always approximately the same.

The most universal, suitable for most types of work and workpieces, are the following dimensions: height 650-750 mm, length 700-1000 mm, width depends on the shaft. But, the work table on one side of the saw blade must be at least 250-400 mm wide so that a wide workpiece can be marked so that it does not change when cutting.

Height is important. If the bed is too low, the master will have to bend his back when working, which is inconvenient and tiring. It is difficult to lift heavy workpieces onto a bed that is too high, and it is difficult to work with them. The average height is indicated above (650-750mm), but it can be adjusted depending on the height of the master and the size of the workpieces. For heavy slabs and boards, high beds are inconvenient.

Other options are possible - tabletop machines. They are small in height. For work, they are installed on separate workbenches or frames of suitable height.

Also, for sawing long workpieces, additional separate beds are sometimes used. Most often these are the simplest wooden supports.

You should immediately clearly determine the dimensions of the future machine, based on the above considerations.

Bed material

Then the material from which the frame and work table can be made is selected. There are options.

Metal

For the frame, any available rolled metal is used: angle, square or rectangular profile, pipes for legs, channels, purchased or from scrap metal.

Angles with dimensions from 40x40 with a thickness of at least 2 mm and above have a sufficient margin of safety for all elements of the frame. Thinner corners (25X25) can be used to tie the frame around the perimeter.

More powerful channels have a safety margin that is many times greater than required. They increase the weight of the structure, which is not a disadvantage if the machine does not have to be constantly dragged. A massive machine better dampens vibrations during operation. If you have to buy rolled metal, you should not overpay for clearly excessive power and weight.

For the desktop plane, metal sheets with a thickness of 5-10 mm (ferrous metals) or 10-20 mm (aluminum) are used.

Tree

Wood is prone to drying out and swelling with changes in size, warping and cracking. It has low specific strength compared to metals and requires treatment to prevent rot and mold in damp areas. Poorly suited for these purposes. But due to its availability, ease of processing and assembly, it is sometimes used here too. With conditions:

straight-grained wood is selected, without knots or interlacing layers;
the humidity should correspond to the humidity in the room where the machine will be located;
Desirable aging of blanks for 3-4 years, at least 1 year;
Hardwoods are used - oak, beech.

Another plus is that wood dampens vibrations well; such machines operate quieter even than on a cast frame made of porous cast iron.

At the same time, the machine is not made only from wood. The shaft must be mounted on a metal frame, which is attached to a wooden base.

Other materials

Plywood with a thickness of 10 mm and above is well suited for work tables. Plywood is a multilayer material made from thin sheets of wood and layers of glue. In this combination, the internal stresses of thin wood are insignificant and are compensated by layers of glue and adjacent sheets. Therefore, thick plywood warps much less than solid wood. It can last a long time on the table. In case of damage, such a table can be easily replaced with a new one.

Legs and framing elements can be made from thick plywood. At the same time, 2-3 blanks with a thickness of 10-20 mm are glued and screwed together with bolts or screws onto one leg.

Chipboard, laminated chipboard, and MDF are not suitable for these purposes , since they are fragile materials that are prone to chipping under loads and impacts. They can be used for temporary machines that are required, for example, only for the duration of one construction project.

Work tables made of this material are mounted flush with the frame of the bed, without overhangs. Protruding edges may break off due to minor loads. Additional transverse joists may be required, since voids under a chipboard table longer than 40 cm may break due to the throw of a heavy workpiece.

Engine

Efficient stationary circular saws have engine power ranging from a minimum limit of 500-700 W and higher, up to industrial options of 5-10 kW.

A low-power homemade circular saw with a motor (500-700 W) is capable of cutting workpieces up to 40-50 mm thick with a disk of small diameter (up to 180 mm) with low productivity. For this reason, motors from washing machines (180-350W) are not suitable, although they can be used on mini-machines for sawing miniature workpieces.

The optimal power for a homemade circular machine is 1.1-2.2 kW at high speeds; a “three-thousander” engine is better - 2800-2900 rpm, running on a 220V household network.

Three-phase asynchronous motors 380V, converted to 220V, were also often used. It must be remembered that after adaptation to 220V, the engine loses up to 2/3 of its power. That is, a three-phase motor with a power of 5.5 kW, after converting it to one phase using capacitors, will be able to operate with a power of about 2 kW.

Therefore, the best option is a factory engine. For example, single-phase AIRE (5AIE) 80s2 2.2 kW/3000 rpm. 220V produced by the plant in Mogilev, Belarus. The cost by mid-2022 is about 8-9 thousand rubles.

Gasoline engines

This option has its advantages and disadvantages.

well suited for working at remote sites. Indispensable for work in the absence of power supply;
have great power. Depending on the selected engine model, from 3-6hp. up to 15-20 hp

A number of disadvantages

big noise;
difficulties in maintenance, in the device itself, the possibility of breakdowns;
starting difficulties;
exhaust gases, inability to work indoors;
high operating costs due to fuel prices.

In Soviet times, a variety of internal combustion engines were installed on circular cars. From air-cooled tractor launchers (PD-8), internal combustion engines of the UD group, to decommissioned engines from GAZ-51 type trucks.

Today, a good option is an engine from a walk-behind tractor, which is sold separately.

Gasoline engine 6.5 hp.
(4.78 kW). The cost at different sites is from 5 to 7 thousand rubles.

What disk size to choose for homemade products

If the entire shaft is ordered from a turner, or a suitable shaft with carriages and bearings is being finalized, for example, from agricultural machinery, the diameter of the seat for the disks should be taken into account.

Old landing standards: 56 mm and 32 mm. If there are disks with a seat of this size, the seat is bored to fit them. Old Soviet wheels, both carbide and monolithic (backed) can last a very long time.

If we focus on modern discs, for a circular disc of medium power, a 30 mm fit should be provided - the most popular international standard today .

It’s also a good idea to immediately order different seating washers. For example, with a fit for 30, 32 and 56 mm discs. You can order a shaft with a fit of 20 mm (there are such discs) or 30 mm and a set of adapter rings instead of whole washers for 30, 32 and 56 mm. That is, the internal diameter of the adapter washer is strictly along the diameter of the shaft, the outer diameter is according to the mounting diameter of the disk.

The dimensions of the disk are selected in accordance with the engine power. A 600-800 W motor is not able to work effectively with a large disk; it will not have enough power. Maximum – disk 180-200 mm.

The more powerful the engine, the larger the disk can be used.

In this case, you should provide for the size of the slot in the desktop for the disk.

Most often, they use different disks on the same circular saw. For thin workpieces use a small disk, and vice versa.

Classification and scope

Slotting machines differ according to several evaluation criteria. Let's consider the main of these criteria, which are applicable to highly specialized slotting machines.

1. Material processing:

small - up to 1 ton;
medium - from 1 to 10 tons;
large - over 10 tons.

3. Machine feed control:

with manual feed;
with automatic adjustable feed.

4. Drive motor power. The larger the machine, the more powerful the engine is installed.

5. Frequency range of the working stroke of the cutter, regulated by the gearbox.

6. Maximum overall dimensions of the workpiece.

7. Maximum cutting force generated by the ram. Determines the feed rate and processing speed.

8. Processing precision.

There are several basic operations that are typical for performing on a slotting machine:

creating holes of various shapes that are impossible or difficult to cut using turning or milling operations;
cutting gear teeth and gears using a special cutter (Fig. 4);

Figure 4. Slotting machine cutter for cutting teeth.

creation of spline surfaces, both internal and external;
hollowing out keyways of various shapes (Fig. 5);

Figure 5. Creating a keyway using a slotting machine.

cutting complex shapes in hard-to-reach places using shaped cutters.

Today, most of the operations performed by a slotting machine can be duplicated on machines of a different type. However, slotting machines do not lose their relevance due to the simplicity of their design, reliability and low cost.

Modern CNC machines are not classified as a separate category. The chiselling operation is one of many that the new generation of multifunctional machines can implement.

Sometimes it is necessary to make a recess, a groove, or some kind of material recess on the surface of a wooden or metal part.

You can perform the operation manually, but it will be much faster and more efficient to use a slotting machine. It is intuitively clear how such a rather narrowly specialized unit works.

Professional products are expensive and are used mainly in production, but for home work you can assemble the machine yourself.

Recommendations for selection

Before buying metal slotting machines, it is necessary to take into account a number of factors on which the principle of operation in the future will depend:

Power of the engine installed on the equipment. The more powerful it is, the higher the performance of the machine. However, as power increases, energy consumption increases.
Dimensions, type of equipment installed on the working part.
Equipment dimensions.
Desk dimensions.
Maximum permissible dimensions of the workpiece. The functionality of the machine depends on this.
Possibility of adjusting the feed speed of equipment.
Control system - manual or automatic.

When choosing industrial equipment, it is necessary to take into account the presence of a cooling system. It will protect parts from damage and equipment from deformation.

Slotting machine with automatic control system (Photo: Instagram / instrumentedison)

Important selection criteria

machine power;
the ability to adjust components, assemblies and equipment;
dimensions of processing tools;
the ability to move the processing tool in different directions, in three planes;
maximum angle of inclination and speed of the cutter.

Selection of factory devices

Most often, ready-made slotting machines are purchased from the “GD” model range, which is represented on the market in several series. These are rather outdated devices, which, however, have a sufficient range of functionality and are fully suitable for use in home workshops.

For higher quality and faster processing of parts, foreign-made machines are chosen. They allow you to perform a wide range of metal work.

When purchasing machines, you should pay attention not only to the manufacturer and the location of its production facilities, but also to the most important technical characteristics of the devices.

First of all, this concerns the parameters of the workpieces being processed, the power of the tool, its dimensions and functionality, and the permissible angle for tilting. The ability to move the working surfaces and the slotting unit is of great importance.

When choosing devices, always consider their future location. Small machines with medium or low power are suitable for home workshops. This will save space and energy. For production, more powerful analogues with impressive dimensions are purchased. It is also worth considering the skill level of the person who will work with this or that device.

Video: homemade desktop metal slotting machine.

Structure and principle of operation of a slotting machine

A homemade slotting machine consists of the following main parts:

a base on which a movable platform is installed for fastening carpentry blanks;
electric motor with power up to 2 kW;
shaft - at one end a belt drive is installed to the engine, at the other - a chuck for an actuating rotating tool (cutter, drill, cutter);
parts holders, vices;
levers for raising/lowering and adjusting the movement of the stand;
on/off button;
additional options, depending on work tasks.

The operating principle of a homemade slotting unit is based on the reciprocating movement of a rotating drilling and slotting tool. The process of making holes in wooden parts occurs according to the following scheme:

the workpiece is installed on the stand and securely secured with a vice;
the drill (cutter) is fixed in the shaft chuck, the motor starts;
with a movable frame structure, the workpiece is fed to a drilling (slotting) tool, which makes a hole of the required parameters and configuration.

Equipment Features

You can create a metal slotting machine with your own hands only after considering the design features. The layout of a slotting machine, both professional and homemade, is identical. In this case, we highlight the following main components:

The basis of almost any machine is the bed. It is necessary as a basis for securing all nodes and their correct positioning relative to each other. Steel can be used in the production of the frame; quite often the structure is welded from individual elements, but there are also folding versions.
For chiselling, a tool with sharp teeth is used. They call him a dork. Its dimensions, profile and many other aspects determine the possibility of use in a particular processing case.
The gearbox is installed on a slotting machine model, which has a wide range of applications. The transfer is necessary to change the processing parameters of the workpiece.
The desktop can also be called one of the important design elements. The workpiece is fastened on the table. The main thing in manufacturing, when creating a homemade metal slotting machine, is to correctly position the work table relative to the cutting tool.
It is worth considering the fact that the layout of a slotting machine can differ significantly depending on the type of installed drive: mechanical, electric, hydraulic. Often a hydraulic drive is installed on machines that are considered professional equipment. It is almost impossible to produce a hydraulic drive with your own hands. A model that you create yourself often has a mechanical drive.
When considering the main components of a slotting machine, one should take into account the fact that the design may have a cooling system. Metal processing can lead to heating of the cutting tool and the workpiece.

Despite the fact that there are quite a lot of different models of machines on sale, many of them have a similar design.

Manual machine model

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Structure of a wood slotting machine

Slotting machines generally have a fairly simple design. The base of the device is hollow, and inside this element there are mechanisms that carry out transmission from the electric motor. The engine is located at the foot of the support column. On the front part of the stand there is a slotting unit to which the tool holder is attached. Using special clamps, the operator can change the position of the cutter in relation to the workpiece.

The characteristics of the slotting unit determine the parameters of the holes produced. In most of these machines, the distance of the vertical stroke of the cutter can also be adjusted. The drive mechanism for moving the slotting unit operates on a hydraulic or mechanical principle.

Most often, machines of this type are used in furniture factories. Such devices are characterized by high productivity and can process workpieces with impressive dimensions. For home use, you can make a machine with a simpler design and less power.

Specifications

The slotting machine has a number of technical characteristics that determine the productivity, accuracy, and functionality of the equipment:

Ability to process different materials. To work with metal, machines with a more powerful engine and hard teeth are used.
Type of drive. Powerful models are equipped with a hydraulic system.
Dimensions of the table for processing parts. The capabilities of the device depend on this indicator.
Control system. There may be manual or automatic feeding of parts and equipment.
Weight, dimensions of equipment. Industrial models are much more than compact machines for workshops.

Work tables can be stationary or located on guides for free movement under the equipment.

Disassembling a slotting machine (Photo: Instagram / kubanzheldormash)