Cutting forces with Carbide Create -- and how I got derailed a bit

[gmack (Gerald Mackelburg)]

@JappieMike

You could try and arduino with a current sensing board, they come in several ranges, and then send the data to a PC file or the serial monitor in real time. You might get a better idea of the forces on the machine if you measure the X,Y and Z forces as well but that might mean the use of strain gauges on the structure. A geeky display of realtime trends ( with LEDS, everything is better with multicolour LEDS) could start a new level of worry for users, I’m sure some of the higher end machines would do this.
Cheers
Mike

Assuming that you’re talking about monitoring spindle power, both current and voltage need to be monitored at sufficient sample rates to enable the calculation of real power. Using an Arduino or other custom device to do all of that would be really nice since all of the COTS alternatives I’ve found don’t provide convenient digital outputs. Spindle RPM and bit diameter would then enable the calculation of approximate cutting forces. Do you know how to do that?