Welcome to this Machine Tool Video, FlexArm Operations.
The FlexArm is a very handy tool in a machine shop.
It is used to power tap holes that are already drilled in a part.
After watching this video, you will know the different parts of the FlexArm, how to
set it up, and how to operate the FlexArm.
The FlexArm consists of a base [which in this case, the base is mounted to a
table], an arm which can rotate about the base, a second arm which is connected to
the first arm and can rotate, the second arm is also able to go up and down.
At the end of the second arm is a mount where the head or
motor of the machine is mounted.
With the two arms that are able to rotate and the second arm being able
to go up and down, the operator is able to get to many different locations.
As the second arm is raised and lowered, the head automatically stays
vertical, or at 90 degrees to the table.
Located on the second arm is counterweight that can be adjusted
as the weight of the head changes.
The weight of the head will change as different size
tools are mounted in the head.
To move the counterweight, loosen the lock knob by turning it counterclockwise.
Once the knob is loose, the counterweight will be able to slide along the arm.
As the weight of the head decreases, the position of the counterweight
will move towards the head.
As the weight of the head increases, the position of the counterweight
will move away from the head.
To clamp the counterweight, tighten the knob by turning
it in a clockwise direction.
The purpose of the counterweight is to balance the machine so that the head
stays where the operator wants it to stay.
Also, when the machine is balanced, the operator does not fight
against the weight of the tool.
The head or the motor is an air motor, this means that it
needs compressed air to operate.
Located on the first arm is an air regulator and the fitting for
connecting air supply to the machine.
To supply air to the machine, connect a compressed air line to
the inlet fitting on the machine.
Located on the side of the machine is the throttle lever.
Pressing the throttle lever will spin the spindle of the
head in a clockwise direction.
The more you press on the throttle lever the faster it will go.
The head is also capable of spinning in a counterclockwise direction or reverse.
To do this, press and hold the reverse button, and then press the throttle lever.
Different sizes of taps are able to be used in the FlexArm as
long as it is a tap that can be used to machine tap or power tap.
Make sure not to use a hand tap in the FlexArm.
Due to the different sizes of taps that can be used in the FlexArm, there are
many different adaptors to choose from.
Each adaptor can receive only a certain size tap.
On the adaptor is a locking ring, this locking ring is spring-loaded.
In the inside of the adaptor is a square where the end of the tap goes into.
This square is how the adaptor drives the tap.
To mount the tap, press the retaining ring, insert the tap in the hole,
rotate the tap until the square on the tap and the adaptor align, and
then release the retaining ring.
Now the tap is locked into the adaptor.
Once the tap is mounted into the adaptor it is now time to mount the
adaptor into the head of the FlexArm.
The head will use dogs to drive the adaptor, the dogs on the adaptor will
need to align with the dogs on the head.
Insert the adaptor into the head and align the dogs.
To lock the adaptor into the head, pull up on the collar on the head and insert
the adaptor all the way into the head.
Once the adaptor is inserted all the way into the head, release the collar,
now the adaptor is locked into the head.
To remove the adaptor from the head, pull up on the collar and
the adaptor will be released.
This machine is equipped with a drill chuck that has the correct adaptor
on it to mount it into the head.
The reason for having the drill chuck is to countersink holes if needed.
The drill chuck is mounted into the head just like a tap would be.
To mount the countersink in the drill chuck, insert the countersink into
the drill chuck and snug the chuck.
Use a chuck key to fully tighten the chuck.
The part that is being worked on needs to be mounted, it can either be clamped
to the table, or mounted in a vise.
In this example, a vise will be used.
When mounting the part, the operator should be able to reach all the holes.
With the countersink mounted in the FlexArm, bring the head down to the part
and align the countersink in the hole.
Press the throttle lever to rotate the spindle and apply slight down pressure.
Repeat this procedure for all the holes that need to be countersunk.
Once the holes are ready to be tapped, mount the correct tap into the adaptor
and then into the head of the FlexArm.
Make sure that the counterweight is adjusted properly for
the weight of the tap.
Move the head so that the tap is just above the hole that needs
to be tapped, apply tapping fluid to the hole and the tap.
Press the throttle lever so the tap is spinning.
Bring the tap down to the part, the tap will start to feed itself into the hole.
When the desired depth is reached, release the throttle lever.
To get the tap out of the hole, press and hold the reverse button,
and then press the throttle lever until the tap is out of the hole.
When tapping, let the machine do the work.
Do not apply pressure up or down.
Repeat this process until all the holes are tapped.
In this video, the parts of the FlexArm were explored, setting up the
FlexArm was explained, and operating the FlexArm was demonstrated.
You have completed this Machine Tool Video, FlexArm Operations.