Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Lathe conversion to CNC

hi larry-

i think it's practical :) haven't seen any documented cases of a 8x12 cnc
conversion though some people have talked about it on the lathemaster and
7x12minilathe yahoo groups. our conversion process is being documented
here in "blog" format:

<http://www.fignoggle.com/workshop/item/2006/7/21/project-cnc-8x12-lathe-the-master-plan>

getting ready to test mount the x-axis scale and then on to the nema34
mounts. there will be some updates on the site in the upcoming days. all
the major parts arrived in the past two weeks (including the now
returned-for-replacement shars dro display which ken at smw - thanks ken!
- helped determine was faulty). the nema34 motors (990oz.in.) may not be
used as a permanent motor due to size; a 400oz.in nema23 frame
motor may be used instead. they'll be driven by gecko drives. the xylotex
package is great for the x2 mini-mill (and for a pretty close to plug and
play starter set) which should also work should cost be a major
consideration.

hope this helps!

david


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On Thu, 10 Aug 2006, ballendo wrote:

>
> P.S. Yes, IMO it's practical to modify that lathe 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.