Re: Manual to CNC Lathe Conversion

Thanks for the reply,

> You didn't mention the length of the screws you want to cut.

The length will ordinarily be in the range of 1" to 6" on between 1"
& 1-1/2" diameter 416 SS.

> if you are exclusivly doing screw cutting, you could even remove the
> carriage and bolt on a table with linear rails and a ball screw.

Not exclusively, "primarily". I do want to use the lath as a general
purpose lathe as well, however, 90% of the intended turning will be
threading.

> If you want to have any accuracy and just CNC your lathe, considder
> the ball screw.

Ok, do you happen to have a source for the ball screws, and perhaps a
place that could also provide good advice for sizing such?


Thanks,
Eric



--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "turbulatordude"
<dave_mucha@y...> wrote:

> You didn't mention the length of the screws you want to cut.
>
> if you are exclusivly doing screw cutting, you could even remove the
> carriage and bolt on a table with linear rails and a ball screw.
>
> it sounds odd but I saw that idea a year or two ago and am trying to
> figure out how to do that on my lathe.
>
> it does require you monitor spind location with an encoder and time
> the axes with the rotation.
>
> If you want to have any accuracy and just CNC your lathe, considder
> the ball screw. totally forget the half nuts.
>
> If you really want to try and use the lead screw, map it over the
> lenght for wear and see if it is possible.
>
> Dave
>
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "pondindustrial"
> <pondindustrial@y...> wrote:
> > Hi All,
> >
> > I recently purchased a Victor-1640B (16" Swing, 40" Centers, 32-

2000-

> > RPM, 7.5hp) manual lathe. I'm interested in converting this lathe

to

> > CNC very soon. Question is, where do I start? This lathe will be

used

> > primarily for threading, if that makes any difference!
> >
> > Specifically, I want to know the best method/s of driving the
> > carriage & cross slide from those who have experience in lathe
> > conversions. Should I use the lead screw and engage the half nuts

for

> > CNC allowing manual control when desired, or replace it with a

ball

> > screw with a zero backlash double ball-nut? Since the unit will

be

> > CNC, is it even feasible to power the compound slide?
> >
> > My experience: I own a 72"x72" CNC plasma table which I built a
> > couple of years ago using Gecko drives, Mach2, ballscrews, and
> > servomotors. Given that, I prefer to use Gecko drives and Mach2

again

> > since I haven't experienced any trouble with either and

furthermore,

> > I'm now very familiar with both products.
> >
> > Thanks in advance for the help,
> > Eric