Re: Asian Lathe Conversion

Thanks everyone for all the good input.

I really hate like heck to convert a nice new machine.
Unless the conversion can be done in such a way to still allow me to
make use the gears for cutting treads, when desired. I would think
that would be doable.

Been shopping for a good used one for 6 months now.
Most that I have seen have so many miles on them that proper
restoration busts my $3000 budget.
A highly recommended local dealer had a really nice looking, freshly
painted machine, with rails that looked new. However... a 12"
straight edge showed at least .01" wear near the spindle end. It
appears that someone had used a hone to remove the telltale ridge
that appears on any used machine. So now I'm Jaded. So much for
reputable dealers.

I do have an alternate plan. What do you all think?

I need to do a lot of turning using hyperbolic curves.
That is why I want computer control in some form or other.

I'm thinking that if I always make cuts toward the spindle, that, any
backlash in the lead screw, (X Axis) is not a problem. (possible bite
my butt assumption)
I would convert only the cross feed screw, (Y Axis) to a servo driven
ball-screw and use a linear encoder for position reference on the
lead screw.
I will have to write a program that will read the linear scale and
position the cross feed appropriately, on the fly.
(not a problem)
So this is not CNC in the traditional sense.

OR!... Maybe I should make my own Compound with ball-screw and swap
it out when needed?

Tom M.




--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "doug98105
<dougrasmussen@c...>" <dougrasmussen@c...> wrote:

> Tom,
>
> If your intention is to purchase for the sole purpose of
> retrofitting, I think you should forget it. For less money you can
> buy any number of older NC lathes with dead controls. Hardinge
> HNC's are one example.
>
> Regarding Asian machinery in general, you get what you pay for. If
> you're willing to pay the bucks you can get any quality level you
> need. The vast majority of the world's high precision machine

tools

> are now made in Asia.
>
> Regarding used machinery, buy from a reputable dealer and you

aren't

> taking much risk. With the current state of the economy there're
> some incredible bargains out there.
>
> My $.02 worth.
>
> Doug