Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Unimat?

In a message dated 1/5/2003 12:06:43 AM Central Standard Time,
elson@... writes:

> This looks like it has anodized aluminum ways. I would expect it to have a
> fairly short life. It is REALLY small, I think even smaller than the
> Sherline! Don't look at it as a CNC candidate

Interesting! The "classical" Unimat WAS essentially a precision TOY, and
"wobbly", etc., are kind descriptions. Its design made NO logical sense!

However, Emko later began to make a 125 mm ("5 inch") bench-lathe (and a
larger one, yet, I think), and Sears began to sell it (both?) with a
CRAPTSMAN nameplate. Whew, they charged $795 for that little one back in
'84, when I had to have something that size, with NO time to "shop Chinese",
etc! This "5 inch" job has a conventional 0.1" lead X-screw, but the Z-screw
(longitudinal, for those of us STILL having trouble with that non-logic!) is
1/16", and the longitudinal "handwheel" (may I say "finger-tip wheel"???) on
the RIGHT end of the ways has an index-dial that goes from 0 through 0.060"
to, yes, [0.0625"], or 0.0, again! NOT metric nor 0.10" per turn, as a
logical designer of such might think!

This one sold by Sears is a "serious" machine with conventional forged
V-ways, rear-mounted reversible motor, gears, and the only plastic may be the
gear-cover on the left end, and the convenient red switch-handle (I use it so
infrequently, I'd have to GO LOOK, to remember!)

But I don't use that little one much, and can "get over" the Z-index, when I
must use it. If that Z-screw were 0.05 or 0.10" per turn, it might be nice
for CNC'ing, but since the Sherline can be had "come that way" (motor-mounts,
etc.), I'd forget about the Esterhazy lathe. Uh, Unimat. Sorry.



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