Lathe ATC Options?

[Chaz]

How are getting on with the ATC? is the turned finish similar to a QCTP

Im looking at building one but cant decide on this type with the ratchet and pawl or the pneumatic ones with the toothed register. Seems to be pros and cons to both

I think its decent. I struggled with parting, he uses an alu 'pawl' which ive since machined out of steel, havent tested it yet. For a smaller machine, its ok but it struggles a bit with the heavier stuff.

[Ross77]

Thats for the heads up. what size is the main block?

My friend has the little denford one and said it suffers from similar issues. We were looking to make one with the pnuematic actuator but seem like a lot of work to me.

I just seen this one http://lukesprojects.weebly.com/auto...l-changer.html it uses two adjustable pawls and looks quite substantial

Do you know if the pneumatic ones are the best option? either way it will be an investment so we want to make the best possible version

[Chaz]

Thats for the heads up. what size is the main block?

My friend has the little denford one and said it suffers from similar issues. We were looking to make one with the pnuematic actuator but seem like a lot of work to me.

I just seen this one http://lukesprojects.weebly.com/auto...l-changer.html it uses two adjustable pawls and looks quite substantial

Do you know if the pneumatic ones are the best option? either way it will be an investment so we want to make the best possible version

Sorry, main block? The mounting block? Probably around 100 x 100 mm but can check over teh weekend.

[m_c]

Pneumatic turrets using a hirth or curvic coupling are far sturdier, but as you're aware, they are far more complex (and good hirth/curvic couplings are not cheap!).
They have the benefit that the tool disc gets clamped firmly in place with lots of mating surfaces, whereas on a ratchet and pawl setup, not only do you have flex due to the shaft needing to be able to rotate, you're relying on a single point of contact to resist cutting forces.

And as already mentioned, parting is where you're most likely to notice any play/flex on a lathe.

[Altaros]

Hello,
our company just released cheap but precise automatic turret tool head for 8 tools. May be great for hobby users!



More informations here: https://www.altaros.cz/en/content/53...ic-turret-head

[Chaz]

Hello,
our company just released cheap but precise automatic turret tool head for 8 tools. May be great for hobby users!



More informations here: https://www.altaros.cz/en/content/53...ic-turret-head

Had a quick look on my phone earlier, looks decent and well documented.

[Ross77]

Cheers, that looks really nice but I only have 50mm table to CL so that wouldn't fit.

We are also 90% finished on the one we are building. All steel and only needs a nema 17 stepper to turn it.

[Ross77]

Cheers, that looks really nice but I only have 50mm table to CL so that wouldn't fit.

We are also 90% finished on the one we are building. All steel and only needs a nema 17 stepper to turn it.