Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] VectorCam Demo and EMC - Lathe

Hi Tom,

Yes! I recently posted my thoughts of using my Sherline rotary table to
"simulate" a tool changer in a project to get one going for Bill.
Closer to the truth then I had thought! So we just need a plate to
mount the spindle on the X axis, and another plate to mount the CNC
rotary table on the Z! This starts to get interesting! And somewhere
in there could be the horizontal milling adapter; or the 14" x 12" x 1"
aluminum plate that I currently bolt my mill to.

Alan KM6VV


Tom Benedict wrote:

>
> On Thu, 28 Feb 2002, Alan Marconett KM6VV wrote:
>
> > I never thought of turning the spindle horizontal and using the
> > tailstock to simulate a CNC lathe! But then, I had my mill for 17+
> > years, and until recently, did not know or think about rotating the
> > spindle (it only has one key slot)!
> >
> > OK, you mounted the tool holder on the X axis, so no tailstock?
> > Still, I like the idea. I KNEW there was a reason I got the Sherline
> > 4-jaw chuck (and tailstock)! Maybe what is needed is a way to mount
> > the spindle ON the X axis, and then something else (on the z) would
> > carry the tool?
> >
> > I'm anxious to try this lathe setup! could you possibly email me the
> > DXF or CCD file(s) you are experimenting with? ;>)
> >
> > I'm sorry I can't help with the EMC question, but I believe the Vector
> > output is correct!
> >
> > Alan KM6VV
>
> Pretty sure it is.
>
> The "head sideways" thing on the mill is temporary. I've got a Taig CNC
> mill, and a Taig manual lathe (only kind of Taig lathe, unless you do the
> CNC conversion yourself.) I made an adapter plate that will let me mount
> my Taig lathe on the mill bed.
>
> The eventual mad scientist plan is to mount my Sherline rotary table on
> the mill column, mount the Taig lathe on the mill bed, and have a CNC
> turret lathe. Tool bits would be indexed by rotating the rotary table,
> and the work would be mounted on the lathe (complete with tailstock.)
>
> The "head sideways" thing was basically a test to see if I could. And for
> face milling, I think it would be a much less invasive way to set this up.
> But eventually I'd like to use this setup to machine custom gear cutters,
> so yeah, a tailstock would be a huge huge plus.
>
> (Besides, if I can get a CNC lathe for the price of a chunk of aluminum
> and four mounting screws, I figure that's not a bad deal.)
>
> Tom