Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Lathe conversion to CNC

Larry Bush wrote:

>I would like to know if it is practical to modify the Harbor Freight 8x12
>Mini-lathe, item # 44859 to CNC operation.
>I realize this is perhaps not the group to question but I had posted the
>question to the 7x10 minilathe group but never got a reply.
>Most of their threads were of a political nature.
>
>
>

I'm not sure how to define practical, but a client of mine has had me
help him
do a 7x10 lathe also. He started with a really cobbled-up installation,
but had
cleaned it up a bit now that the software was actually working. His major
use is to put oddball threads on thin aluminum and brass pipes. He
basically
added motors to the carriage and crossfeed leadscrews, and a rotation sensor
to the spindle. If the 7x10 works, then the 8x12 should also work,
unless there
is some fatal restriction in the way the machine is built.

Jon