Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: CNCing a small lathe

we've cnc'd both the 7x and 8x lathes and found that fitting a ballscrew
(instead of working with a split-nut leadscrew or similar setup) inside
the existing cross-slide cavity is very challenging due to the limited
amount of space available. the z-axis is definitely easier.

an example:
http://www.fignoggle.com/workshop/article/316/hf-8x-cnc-with-x-axis-ballscrew

we still haven't posted a picture of the ballnut carrier, but we will
shortly... good luck!

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Jeffrey T. Birt wrote:

>
> The most widely used CNC control program is probably Mach 3:
> http://machsupport.com/ , but there are others. You can download and
> install
> Mach 3, it is fully functional but has a 500 line limit until it is
> licensed. Most CNC control programs will use the parallel port, although
> there are motion control boards with USB/Enet interfaces such as the
> SmoothStepper: http://soigeneris.com/Warp9.aspx . You’ll need a stepper
> driver, the Gecko G540 is a good choice for small machines as it has
> everything built into it (such as Breakout board, all signal opto-islated,
> etc). You can also get complete, plug-and-play drive boxes such as:
> http://soigeneris.com/CNCPartsPage4.aspx (disclaimer: my website), and
> many
> other types are available.
>
> Just about any machine tool you get from Harbor Freight should be
> considered
> a ’kit’, the fit and finish is horrible. Grizzley sells machines that look
> to be the same identical design but are of high quality (still not on par
> with USA made equipment). I suspect that on either one you’ll wind up
> replacing the lead-screws eventually with something with far less backlash
> but I think the Grizzly screws are likely to be better. (Just my opinion
> from having the opportunity to visit out local Grizzly and HF stores.)
>
> Sizing stepper motors is dependent upon the pitch of lead-screws, any
> gear/belt reduction you add, the drive friction of the machine, and your
> desired feed rate. When choosing stepper motors bigger is not always
> better.
> Having the steppers be a good fit for the drivers, power supply and
> machine
> is the key.
>
> Before getting caught up on the size of the machine tool ask yourself what
> it is your wanting to build with it. If your wanting to gain some
> experience
> with a CNC lathe you might want to consider something like a CNC ready
> Sherline lathe. It is small but quite capable and would let you get
> started
> learning how to use a CNC machine without fiddling with the mechanics.
> Once
> you get some experience with a smaller machine you may decide to convert a
> larger manual machine and then you can use your small lather to make parts
> for the bigger one.
>
> Just some thoughts…
>
> Jeff Birt
>
> Check out – Soigeneris.com…
>
> From: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO%40yahoogroups.com>
> [mailto:CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO%40yahoogroups.com>] On Behalf Of Mike Hagen
> Sent: Monday, July 05, 2010 12:21 PM
> To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO%40yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: CNCing a small lathe
>
> I am new to the list. What PC programs are hobbyists using? Serial
> port output?
> Are there some that I can try with just some steppers set up?
> I see all the homemade stuff but not much mention of what is used at the
> PC end?
>
> The Harbor Freight small 7" Lathe is on sale for $399 in a flyer I got
> (7X10" #93212). Looks awfully small?
> Does it got good enough lead screws and quality to make it worth
> spending time on it.
> What size steppers are suggested?
> The 8" online is $699 (#44859).
>
> On 7/5/2010 4:50 AM, Ron Ginger wrote:
> >
> >
> > > Posted by: "turbulatordude" dave_mucha@...
> <mailto:dave_mucha%40yahoo.com>
> <mailto:dave_mucha%40yahoo.com>
> > <mailto:dave_mucha%40yahoo.com> turbulatordude
> > > Date: Sun Jul 4, 2010 9:22 am ((PDT))
> > >
> > > seems like a small lathe. the 7x lathes seem to be less expensive,
> > larger (not by much) and CNC'd all over the net.
> > >
> > >
> > The 7x are common, but take a look at the Harbor Freight 8x12. Its just
> > $50 more but a MUCH bigger machine- the 7x weigh under 100 pounds, the
> > 8x12 is 225 lbs.
> >
> > I just did one, I showed it at the recent CNC workshop. I will try to do
> > an article on it on my web pages. It was a very simple conversion and
> > works well. I did not do a tool turret, Im just using an aloris tool
> > holder and I manually switch tools- fine for my needs.
> >
> > Mach works just fine with a single pulse on the spindle and I was able
> > to make a real neat pickup inside the headstock casting.
> >
> > I have started a new set of lathe wizards for Mach which were well
> > received at teh CNC workshop. Hopefully before summer is over Ill have a
> > release.
> >
> > ron ginger
> >
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