Re: Introduction/Ideas/Questions

> Chris, I have an Upgrade Tech CNC package mounted on a Hardinge
> Dv-59. It works very well. Main point though is that there is no
> modifications to the base machine. I'm wondering if a small XZ table
> retrofitted with ball screws and steppers, bolted to the bed would
> not be a better solution than permanent mods to the SB. This would
> leave the machine able to do larger manual jobs if the need arrises.

While that might accomplish my initial projects, within a few months
I'm going to need to do a horn bell mandrel that will need every inch
of swing the lathe has. So unfortunately I don't think an XZ table
will work.

Fortunatley though, nothing I plan on doing to the lathe is not easily
removeable. At most I may drill some extra holes to mount things and
mill out a casting a little bit. The temporary conversion I did on
the 9" south bend required zero permanent modifications. I may end up
with something that might take a couple hours to convert back, but it
should remain possible to do manual jobs.

Chris

--
Christopher C. Stratton, stratton@...
Engineer, Instrument Maker & Horn Player
(978)538-5179 work, (617)492-3358 home
30 Griswold Street Cambridge, MA 02138
http://www.mdc.net/~stratton