1. Fabrication of Fishtank Reservoir
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Fabrication of Fishtank Reservoir
ENGR 121

2. DISCLAIMER & USAGE living with the lab
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3. Milling Machine: Prepare Machine for Use
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Milling Machine: Prepare Machine for Use
Clean and inspect the machine. Inform your instructor if you find any potential damage. To clean, apply a
small amount of oil to the x-y table and vise surfaces, and wipe them down with a clean cloth. The oil will
keep the unpainted steel surfaces from rusting and will reduce wear on the moving surfaces of the vise.
milling vise
xy table

4. Milling Machine: Operating Digital Readout (DRO)
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Milling Machine: Operating Digital Readout (DRO)
Practice moving each handle back and forth with the machine turned off until you understand and feel comfortable with machine movements.
digital readout (DRO) – used to monitor the
x, y and z positions due to turning the 3 crank handles
z-direction
crank handle for z-translation
of entire cutting head assembly
spindle handle for z-translation
of spindle only (drill chuck only)
(DOES NOT AFFECT DRO READOUT)
z-direction
Make sure lock bolt for x-direction
stage is unlocked an turned upward so that it won’t interfere with table movement (or it could break off)
y-direction
x-direction
crank handle
for x-translation
crank handle
for y-translation

5. Milling Machine: Operation of Digital Readout (DRO)
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Milling Machine: Operation of Digital Readout (DRO)
The z-direction readout on the DRO is used to tell you how deep you are drilling. The x- and y-direction readouts can help you accurately position the holes in the faceplate and the pump exit hole. Note that the crank handles for the x, y and z directions cause the DRO values to change, but the spindle handle does not influence DRO readout. To clear the x-reading on the DRO, press <clear> followed by <x>; do likewise for the y and z directions.
clear button (the one being pushed)

6. Milling Machine: Safety Features and Operation
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Milling Machine: Safety Features and Operation
With the safety shield closed and your safety glasses on, practice turning the machine on and off (turn off with both the off button and the emergency stop). Practice changing the speed of the spindle.
red off button
emergency stop (hit
this button to quickly
stop machine)
green on button
Safety Shield: Do not start machine if this shield is not in place. Be sure that there is adequate clearance between the bottom of this shield and the top of the milling vise before adjusting the crank handle for z-translation of the cutting head assembly.
Spindle Speed Control: Use the speeds
recommended for each drilling operation

7. Loading Workpiece into Vise and Tool into Chuck
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Loading Workpiece into Vise and Tool into Chuck
Place the parallels into the vise followed by the workpiece. Then, use the vise handle to tighten the slide on the milling machine. Make sure the workpiece is securely clamped in the vise before beginning work.
load drill bit or other
tool into chuck and
tighten with key
nut for locking down
x stage of x-y table (be careful not to move the y-stage if this nut is downward (make sure it’s pointing upward), or you could break off the nut.
Don’t forget to
Remove key
from chuck!
vise handle

8. Safety Rules for Freshman Labs
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Safety Rules for Freshman Labs
Do not operate any machine unless you have
completed a hold harmless form
been trained to operate the machine
been authorized to do so by the instructor or lab monitor
When using rotating equipment such as milling machines, drills and lathes,
securely tie long hair back to remove the possibility of it falling below your face
do not wear loose clothing
remove lanyards or jewelry hanging from your neck or wrist
When using power tools like milling machines, drills and lathes,
clamp the workpiece in a vise or chuck before drilling or cutting
never hold or restrain the workpiece with your hand
make sure all safety guards are closed before powering up machine
never leave a running tool unattended
When working in the lab,
always wear approved eye protection
take common sense precautions & avoid “horse play”
keep work area clean & organized
never use your own power tools
only use lab facilities to complete activities required for ENGR 120, 121 and 122
report damaged equipment, unsafe activities and accidents to the instructor
Do not begin to fabricate your pump until you have carefully read the operating and safety instructions above and agree to operate the equipment in a responsible manner. You must sign the safety contract before beginning fabrication.

9. living with the lab
Parts for Fish Tank
3 inch segment of 1.5 inch diameter schedule 40 PVC pipe
1.5 inch diameter schedule 40 PVC cap
5 straight nylon barbed fittings
4 for 3/16” ID tube (1/8” NPT male threads)
1 for ¼” ID tube (1/8” NPT male threads)

10. PVC Parts and Glue living with the lab
3 inch PVC segment of 1.5 inch schedule 40 pipe
1.5 inch cap
PVC cleaner
PVC glue

11. Applying the Cleaner living with the lab
Download “2_PVC_cleaning.wmv” video. Store video in the same directory as this presentation. Click on the picture to play video.

12. Applying the Glue living with the lab
Download “2_PVCgluing.wmv” video. Store video in the same directory as this presentation. Click on the picture to play video.

13. Hole Locations tank inlet solenoid valve tank outlet solenoid valve
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Hole Locations
tank inlet
solenoid valve
tank outlet
(to pump)
solenoid valve
tank drain

14. living with the lab
Hole Locations
Install tank drain a little lower than the other three upper fittings. The tank drain will set the water level in the tank. Since the other fittings are higher, you will be able to see the water from the pump and solenoid valves enter the tank.
tank drain (connects to ¼ inch ID tubing)
further from top of tank

15. Drill Holes Q bit NOTE: Use a speed of 40 for all drilling operations.
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Drill Holes
Q bit
NOTE: Use a speed of 40 for all drilling operations.
Don’t tighten the assembly too tightly in the vise - the PVC may break!

16. Tapping Holes for Fittings (1/8 inch NPT tap)
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Tapping Holes for Fittings (1/8 inch NPT tap)

17. Congratulations – You’re Done!
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Congratulations – You’re Done!