Re: Lathe conversion to CNC

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Larry Bush" <lbush@...> 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.
>
> Larry

Well, you might have got the groups mixed up.

7x10minilathe is great for off topic religous and political threads
that run for hundreds of posts on one subject line for weeks.

As for the CNC'ing of a machine, I think you are much better off
taking an existing machine, of any caliber, and putting on the CNC
parts.

One thing that CNC will not change, the fundamental strenght of the
machine, you do not get a battleship by adding CNC to a dingy.

If you need the motor and power of a 14 inch lathe, you will never get
it from anything smaller.

What you do gain, is accuracy. machines are almost inherently more
accurate than people.

You also gain repetition. if you need to make 2 identical parts, then
a CNC'd machine will offer much better chances than doing it by hand.

As for your choice of machine, considder that all you will be using
are the basic parts. you do not need the change gears to cut threads,
nor the thread dial or a few other pieces.

If I were to offer a sugestion, look for a 9x20 on e-bay. Atlas,
Shouth Bend, Logan... these will sell for under $500 regularly so you
can start out with a larger machine and quite possibly parts to sell
to bring down costs.

Also, it is easer to add some things to a larger machine than a
smaller one. Probably this is not a problem with either of these
machines. 8x or 9x

Dave