Installing the Flex CNC Long Bed Vertical Machining Center

In this video we'll share how our new ‪@FlexMachineTools‬ G-Series 20-04 long bell mill is properly installed, assembled, anchored to the floor, leveled and then inspected for calibration. Chris and Andrew from Flex come down to the shop to help with this procedure to ensure that the machine is properly installed before operation.
#flexmachine #cncmachine #cncmill #machineinstall #flexmachinetools #newmachine #machiningcenter #longbedmill #abom79
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[@from-the-land-of-noah]

Adam - You have come a very long way from back when you first started your channel. Some of us have been here since the beginning and you are an inspiration to us all. I am looking forward to seeing what you do with the new CNC machines as your skills grow and mature over time. Keep doing what you do man. We are all proud of you. Cheers

[@ton146]

I also started about SNS60 and went back and watched all the episodes from the beginning. Would not like to play catch up now but the whole series has been fantastic. I work in sizes about 25% of Adam’s sizes bur SNS is my weekly fix. I also watch all the keith rucker videos. I know there are plenty of other good similar channels but I just don’t have time for them all. I love the introduction of CNC because I am trying to get my Tormach 1100 going and I will be getting into a small 5 axes machine which has been developed locally. Adam keep the great videos coming. Tony. Johannesburg

[@phpn99]

Adam I can totally relate. There will be the naysayers who'll say you have too many toys, but you're not only getting the gear to produce specific things, as you're doing it because you're passionate about your craft and you want to learn more skills. This should be applauded. Most of us only wished we could live this kind of adventure, and you're doing it. Kudos and keep the passion alive.

[@davidcat1455]

Well said👍

[@tjlovesrachel]

Never have too many toys

[@stabilini]

Kudos to Chris for being such a nice guy explaining everything !

[@garthhowe297]

Just proves that any space you have, will be filled in short order. That's a HUGE working area!

[@user-ge6hf2xs4r]

Could you make a video of why you are getting so many new machines so fast and what are your intentions to do with them. Please don't forget about old school completely!

[@throttlebottle5906]

Machining work? go figure for a machining shop... 🥳

[@adamdrummonds9506]

It's called sponsorship! Like the CRC hat he's wearing

[@--_DJ_--]

Man I didn't think I had been gone so long. Last time I checked in the Flex arm was the coolest thing in the shop, and it wasn't even this shop!

[@Aeronaughtica]

Congratulations Adam on this beauty of a machine! And major props to Chris from Flex for his explanations and craftsmanship. It’s amazing to see someone so in their element. He clearly is extremely knowledgeable about these machines and the precision required to operate them properly.

[@revtmyers1]

It's great to see how you've been growing over the years and now see you getting into new capabilities, all while having fun.

[@ilaril]

Saturdays are my favorite days since I get my view in the world of machinist. So awesome to see you get all the machines set up and your shop the way you want it. I don't know how to use half the things in there, but I love to see you do your thing and explain things so that evwn I understand.

[@JimWhitaker]

Wow Adam, you are going to have steep, steep learning curve with that machine. I hope you enjoy it and we see lots of interesting stuff. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@rprice7670]

This is some cool stuff. I'm not a machinist but have a been a fan of the channel for a long time now. I have always been a fan of how things are made from being in the automotive industry for over 40yrs so to get to watch Abom set up his shop an share it with everyone is fantastic. Thanks for sharing stay safe

[@markramsell454]

You'll be learning that machine for the rest of your life, enjoy.

[@georgemiller6930]

Abom! I'm very happy for you! The progress you've made is immense and it just makes me the happiest viewer to see you install new machines. Thank you so much for sharing this video! Your fan, George

[@naldahide]

That is truly awesome! I can't wait to see the final machining!

[@freightdawg6762]

Chris is a Master, Cant wait to see that beast in action. good stuff Abom

[@mudgutsisgeordie]

Very cool to see the shop and skill set evolving. Never sit still, keep moving forward!

[@BrianEvans-zh5dq]

Well done Adam, really enjoy your videos, Your Dad & Grandad would be well proud of you.

[@PeteRondeau]

I've installed a lot of machines in a lot of shops. Wish more of those shops were like yours. clean, dry and quiet. would make the installation a pleasure.

[@Rimrock300]

Wow wow, here we go! Flex CNC coming alive!

[@joewhitney4097]

Oh, this is so fantastic. Will be fun to see it run. Thanks for sharing.

[@monochromatech]

It's been about a year since I've visited this channel. Cheese and crackers this shop has changed. Love the content, keep it up. Congrats on a new shop and equipment.

[@MichaelJohnson-jt5cu]

Take a non-stop video of the Flex technician while he trains you on the software and operation of the Flex CNC, this will allow you to watch the video numerous times and you will pick up tips each time you watch the video. It is impossible to retain a lot of information when you are trying to learn a new system. You have a number of new CNC machines and it will take time to learn all of them at the same time.

[@bulletproofpepper2]

Fantastic video. Thanks for sharing. I can see you can go deep into the weeds with all the technical setup processes. The possibilities are endless.

[@SUPERDUCKcromobe]

Chris works HARD. Puts most men half his age to shame, good for him.

[@wadly99]

What do you mean? He's 25.

[@RookieLock]

That was cool! Thanks for sharing this with us Adam!

[@kevkeelan5106]

It don't get better than, Made in the USA, and this machine is a perfect example. Great job Chris 👍

[@VacFink]

I love opportunities like this for interesting content. It seems sometimes there's a disconnect with what should go into a 'working' machine shop and what we see here. However if you look at it as a source of content the assortment is perfect for a channel like this. You get a great variety, sponsors like Flex get exposure and over time there's a more variety for growth in the range of things that can be shared on the channel and what we can all learn from it. Appreciate that quite a bit about this channel. Keep it up Adam!

[@willybeeish]

Cripes Adam - This is scary stuff. You're making a huge leap from the manual lathe work into state of the art CNC machines. You've got a huge learning curve in front of you. I admire you for taking on so much CNC all at once - a few sleepless nights I expect. But all the best and good luck. I'll be watching!! Bill B

[@mcgama88]

I quite thank you for the chance to have a look at CNC control and job set up. The place where you mention multi work station, multi job progress is what I simply did not grasp at the length, the ability of the machine. Clearly, this unit will enable some very complex task with the natural precision of new install and accuracy. I am cheering for your drive to excellence, and where I view a modern master of the absolute best tool process as both as growth and teaching to a wider audience. Regards from Washington state. *McGary

[@scrotiemcboogerballs1981]

Looks like a great machine can’t wait to see you use it and what it can do thanks for sharing

[@jonk6092]

What a great versatile machine. Congratulations. And thank you for sharing it with us

[@MrJohnBos]

What a cool machine. The alignment process is fascinating. Great video.

[@adamstripp39]

What an exciting day! Very happy for you 😊

[@Rick-ro8bf]

We're gonna need a bigger boat! If this was a movie, that machine would be jaws. LOL

[@robertconklin3322]

The amount of digital machines in there is phenomenal, fascinating and also intimidating

[@GilmerJohn]

I suspect that in the near future there will be a lot of "consumer grade" computer operated machine tools just as there are now plenty of cheap machines that will "mold" parts from plastic lines.

[@angelramos-2005]

Excellent progress and thank you for sharing.

[@mattsbitsnbobsworkshop]

Chris is a top bloke, nice shop my friend.

[@harlanmartin9964]

wow.....your shop is looking incredible! It has come a long ways since I first watch you install that crane.....very nice!

[@ick5353]

Wow! Chris definitely earns his paycheck. What a consummate professional.

[@eagle1333]

That is one sweet machine Adam, can't wait to see it in full operation good job brother!

[@coastkat1742]

Beautiful machine for your shop!

[@85932]

happy to see your improvements on workshop...

[@natal777]

Looking forward to seeing what you will be making with these awsome machines

[@jefferybarnes7817]

Nice; can't wait to see it in action.

[@putteslaintxtbks5166]

It is amazing how we now have the available machines to do things that not to long ago only could be done easily by large corps like Boeing, GE, etc., now in our small shops and even home shops.

[@geckoproductions4128]

Gonna be fun to watch it work.

[@soniclab-cnc]

that machine is an absolute beast

[@erichill5208]

Very interesting video. A lot of interesting Precision and heavy work to get that big machine set up. Looking forward to see that in action

[@powellmachineinc3179]

I gotta say I have been watching your channel since you started and I'm over here 👏👏 for you, it's AWSOME to see the progress, hopefully one day we can visit if we are your way!

[@fiorevitola880]

Wishing you all success in your business venture.

[@metalikartz]

Can’t wait to see what your plans are for that cnc!

[@jamedstate5542]

Adam your a GREAT AMERICA, Hanging the Old Glory Flag on the wall. From a Two Time Vietnam Veteran USMC, Thank You !!

[@swedishpsychopath8795]

But it is awfully close to the laser sparks from the FLEX CNC. The flag may catch fire just like the children you guys napalmed in vietnam.

[@peterkolle4150]

Love your channel. I am not an engineer so don't always understand everything that happens. This machine is a beast but I have no idea what it does. Hope for a more in depth explanation for us un initiated.

[@robertcapetola3986]

Adam, my only fear for your terrific channel is that future videos are going to be watching you program the CNC machines and then retiring to your office and telling bed time stories as the machines automatically finish the job to perfection in the background. I’ll miss the good old manual jobs.

[@GroovyDrifter]

That reminds me of Louis Rossman last series of videos. From "the man who repairs anything" to "the man that talks about his cat an anything else from his couch".

[@ianmoone2359]

I’ll still watch I guess, but as a new / learning machinist, there’s not a huge amount I can directly relate to my 1952 Bridgeport manual mill. I’ll favour other channels for that content I guess. Watched the American Pacemaker cross slide & nut manufacture, but have to wait for Adam to learn scraping / flaking for that one to be finished sometime in the future. I don’t disparage Adam for moving forward and gaining new CNC skills, at all. He’s younger than me and has to move with the times to stay relevant and competitive, so fair play to him. It’s just not as relevant to me as his older content is all.

[@leebarnhart831]

........And I've been struggling with getting my little Bridgeport moved into place and running.......then I watch this. At least now it seems a little easier a job than before I witnessed your struggle with this beast.

[@Histandard2011]

But don't forget Adam just runs the camera and everyone else does the work. So pat yourself on the back, you do it all. And you will probably use your Bridgeport more than Adam will use this monster.

[@antesdedormirmanu6789]

I used to do this kind of installation on bigger machines... What a nostalgic video... At least for me...

[@swedishpsychopath8795]

But this wasn't about you - so why are you trying to steal a79's thunder?

[@Gregorybridgewater]

I run two of these Flex long beds! Very versatile machine and easy to run.

[@arimadx]

With the size of that machine it's literally mind blowing to see just how accurate it is! Wow man! Congrats on your amazing machine brother!

[@chronokoks]

It will slowly tune itself out of accuracy as the usage will make the the machine move in different places. But yeah, in software compensation for geometrical inaccuracies is magic, and the math behind it is not that tough!

[@throttlebottle5906]

probably need compensation re-aligned weekly(or more) and as the building/concrete moves, monthly multi-day process. then again if it all moves in synch, maybe not so bad, if it can deal with the whole machine out of level.

[@malcomsue]

Kids these days don't even learn how to dial in a piece on a four jaw chuck, it is all CNC. So good on you Adam to have a foot in both worlds, the old and the new. Really expands the reach of your channel. Would love to see that flex CNC mill a 20' key to 6 tenths. You could probably setup 20 fixture plates at a time for machining.

[@braydenrobinson1739]

I’m 15 and can get a 4 jaw pretty damn good

[@mikepayne5032]

Looking good Adam the new shop looks full

[@lawrenceessard4086]

Congrats have fun tooling excellent video. Many 👍 👍 👍 👍

[@LeewardStudios]

Very impressive calibration checks for the Flex.

[@joe51chevy7]

As someone who has never seen a machine professionally installed, this is fascinating.

[@snoozinglion8596]

Very cool Adam... have fun! 😀

[@murmurmuram8533]

damn dude that's one hell of a job shop. i cant wait to see what your first job is

[@gmcallsuk]

Man you will be in competition with Motion with all this new gear. Good luck there Adam thany you for sharing.

[@rodneywroten2994]

wow what a machine. you have a lot of screen time to learn. on a few machine.

[@transmitterguy478]

Absolutely COOL, Adam! I wish I would have gotten into machining more when I was younger.HI Abby!

[@OneCupOfCoffee204]

That looks good Adam. You must have pretty big plans for all this new equipment. Looking forward to the big reveal.

[@Cromwell648]

Very impressive machine. Enjoyed the video 👍

[@dsdragoon]

Your new machine is looking nice.

[@jimhimesjr]

Interesting machine. Looking forward to see what it can do. I’m a cutting tool rep so I go into a lot of shops, see lots of different machines and have never seen one of these for cutting steel. Routers yes but never metal cutting machines

[@Farm_fab]

The lifting jacks being used appear to be the same type my boss bought a few years ago. He paid $1100 each for them, and they are a very good quality jack made in France. Cutting corners on a lifting project doesn't really pay, but having the right tools is the way to go.

[@utidjian]

Seriously cool machine there Adam! You could potentialy setup a whole series of jobs for several customers, load in the programs, and hit "start"... and just watch it go... profit! That 20' rectangular tube that needed 1/8" taken off one side would have been very interesting. I, for one, would have been very interested to see how you would compensate for the inevitable warpage of the tube.

[@K-Fred]

Better secure the space next door. The shop is turning out fantastic Adam!!!

[@mallyuk1]

He might be building a big shed at their new home in the forest

[@grege2383]

It's obvious Chris is very knowledgeable - Flex should have a youngster hanging on his shirt tail learning from him.

[@swedishpsychopath8795]

If I was Chris I would refuse to have a person that would negate the need for my salary increase hanging around me.

[@martineastburn3679]

Howdy - Beautiful machine. Lots of tasks available. Wish you had a door behind it to extend stuff. Oh well. I designed a 3 phase 380V system in my shop using Can transformers to run my surface grinders and their Vac systems. I use an American Rotary 10 HP 220 and drive 220 single to 220 3-phase. Then off to 6 transformers. 3 power and 3 snubbers or boosters - their output are in series with the big transformers Pushing the total to near 380.

[@timothyross7488]

Cool, awsome. I'm looking fwd to you using the Flex.

[@seancollins9745]

DUDE, this is turning into a super super nice shop !!!, I want to come put CNC controls on your american now, electronic leads screw etc. Clough42 could do that for you, it would really make that lathe more versatile !!!!

[@CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@throttlebottle5906]

that Chris fella was pretty calm and cool on video, for not being used to it and nervous as a cat in a huge room of rocking chairs. 😎

[@mikecoller]

Great looking machine. Hope you get plenty of work for it .

[@magicman9486]

That is a beautiful machine

[@chriswild2458]

Wow Adam , I’ve not caught your channel for a wee while ,just amazing changes all the best from 🇬🇧

[@jordans5218]

Nice can't wait to see this beast in action. Btw nice color

[@PhilG999]

Man! As a Mechanical Engineer seeing all that goes into getting that machine aligned and set up makes smoke come out of my ears! Can't wait to see it making chips! 😤

[@henrikstenlund5385]

Thank you sir, great content

[@renebourbeau1671]

Good stuff Abom

[@throttlebottle5906]

looks like you're about to outgrow that building already, holy smokes!

[@majorphoto]

wow. the possibilities, bro.

[@seimela]

this machine will flex

[@coxandsonmachine2128]

Nice machine Adam hope to see lots6 of parts made on it.

[@akfarmboy49]

Good machine information thank you

[@Phantom0309]

would like to see even 1 project that uses this machine to its full potential

[@theessexhunter1305]

Me also...sorry just a farce with lots of clicks paying for it.

[@romanfedotov9434]

look at how tiny them linear rails are. great machine if you want to drill tap some 1/4-20s in long strips of aluminum, thats about it. thing is as rigid as a piece of paper in a hurricane

[@Runkpapper]

@@romanfedotov9434 Pretty much every modern milling/boring machine use small linear rails, even the big ones

[@rashesthippo]

@@romanfedotov9434 the main rails are of standard size, if you're talking about the small one at the bottom they are for the control panel to move along the length of the machine

[@hammerdick82]

You clearly dont like this mans content, FREE content that is. Why dont you take all your negative comments, go down the road and be indecent elsewhere.

[@Dug6666666]

There is a lot of clever things about the design of that machine, its small footprint for the amount of "Y" travel it has, the compensation for any deficiencies over a ball screw in terms of backlash, the modular construction having the head unit arrive factory setup on its own section of bed and just general cost effectiveness of the design for its ampule capabilities. Having the rails decked after install and with the laser compensation active seems to me to be the better option anyway, rather than at the factory prior to install. Everything is parallel to the compensation that way and as close to perfectly level as you are going to get it.

[@Dysan72]

The clever innovations I love is what they call "Pendulum mode". Where you have two sets of fixturing on either end of the bed. While it is cutting on one end. You swap out finished workpieces on the other end for more blanks/raw material. When it's done it then traverses down and you swap out the finished material on the other end. That way the CNC machine is always running, and you don't have down time as you swap out work pieces.

[@kevinsellsit5584]

I'm confident the work will come. There can't be many of these in your area. As for the guys commenting about it being paid for by clicks...that is still hard work so I say thumbs up!

[@colinfahidi9983]

He has work.

[@swedishpsychopath8795]

Never buy equipment before you have a work contract. And when you have a work contract buy the cheapest used machine that will get the work done. Then do continous upgrades buying yet nicer used equipment. NEVER buy a new mega-machine waiting for work for it.

[@colinfahidi9983]

@@swedishpsychopath8795 You're not au fait with Abom's business model are you?

[@geraldstokes5744]

Very Cool !

[@paulpipitone8357]

Love it good luck as always

[@oetken007]

Very interesting Video. Thank you for sharing that. This machine is the ultimate 3D printer when you mount an extruder on the spindle;-)

[@ricksosbee3913]

Congrats