Re: Request for CNC lathe enclosure and control panel ideas

Hi Kim,

asking a large group for creative ideas is just begging for trouble !


For the lathe, a multi cover approach would help considderably.
for parts close to the chuck, a common chip guard, a semi-circle of
sheetmetal or lexan that covers the chuck and the first 6-8 inches of
the part will go far to reduce chuck induced flying chips, but not
chip breaker induced flying chips.

If you are familair with the design, a shaft is connected to the
headstock and used as a hinge, and the curved part will hinge back on
that shaft. no reason you cannot telescope on that design to allow
the carrage pull a cover along with it.


As for the MMI (Man Machine Interface) there are pendants that
contain a few switches and pots for rapids and manual postioning and
such. Simple to wire up and hange from overhead. here, an
articulating arm or possibley a boom that swings.

If you are real good with the electronics side, considder an internet
appliance (e-bay) flat screen LCD with keyboard. I have looked at
those a few times and wish I was good enough to handle the hacking.
Seems like a good kit/book/product for the non-electronically
challenged.


The electronics on a cart is not a bad idea either. just make sure
the electronics parts are well protected. keyboards and mice are
easily replaced and having a few on hand would be a very good idea.

Dave