DIY Lathe - What Headstock?

[Chaz]

Have you got a lathe or access to one?

What kind of tolerances can Thor produce?

Given the effort you put into Thor, I cant wait to see what you come up with this time for a lathe, tool turret on the cards?

I have my Emco 120 which Ill sell. Just not big enough for what Id like to do.

Tolerances, not checked yet, should be doing some calibration cuts this weekend once I get a new table installed. I'm also aware that I have a slight offset in my Z axis, getting a bit of deviation across the Y plane, when measuring Z movement. This is due to the spindle clamp I am using, Ill probably replace it or machine something better than what I bought.

I have two main options for a lathe. One, use my massive metal structure that I used for referencing as the base for the lathe, simply bolt rails to its one side, install 3 carts each side, fabricate a simple X and Z Table. Toolchanger, multiple options, id possibly got for a non turret option as its easier (I think) based on a large working area.

The idea is that I get a headstock that I can then just add a nice high power servo motor to and go from there.

Another option is to form and cast another concrete structure but this is a lot more work. I may start with the metal structure, prove the concept, then convert it to Concrete (or make another a decommission this one).

[Boyan Silyavski]

Depends on what you will use it for. Have you thought of indexing and lather 4rth axis, all in one? LIke this one . basically that guy has his build log on the cnczone

http://www.theinturn.com/

[Chaz]

Depends on what you will use it for. Have you thought of indexing and lather 4rth axis, all in one? LIke this one . basically that guy has his build log on the cnczone

So something like this on Thor? I am keen to do a 4th axis, so will certainly explore this. Estimated costs?

[Boyan Silyavski]

Bicycle disc brakes, some aluminum, 700w servo motor , you machine the pulleys and so, some belts. So basically the extra controller may be or you figure another way to do it.

I find that really an useful thing to have

[Chaz]

Bicycle disc brakes, some aluminum, 700w servo motor , you machine the pulleys and so, some belts. So basically the extra controller may be or you figure another way to do it.

I find that really an useful thing to have

Explain more please ..... I should be able to machine most of this - not sure about design and bearing selection, not an area I understand.

[Boyan Silyavski]

As far as i remember 7:1 ratio of a 700w servo motor. Hydraulic bicycle brake brakes and fixes at certain position when indexing. Bearings are fairly simple. They are so cheap now. Something like the rotating ball nut. A pair of oposing angular contact bearings with sufficient size. Thats it

[Boyan Silyavski]

Check his channel on you tube. There are 10 or so videos where he explains everything in detail https://www.youtube.com/user/Simpsons36/videos

[m_c]

The InTurn development thread can be found on the mach forums - http://www.machsupport.com/forum/ind...c,11422.0.html

IIRC lots of the design aspects were discussed, but it's been a while since I've read through the thread. It's certainly worth having a read if you've got a couple spare hours.

It's a good solution, but the downsides are lathe tool mounting, having to swap the belt to change speeds, and having to continually install/uninstall it.
I can see the appeal if you're limited for space, but I'd opt for a decent lathe.


Lathe spindles are not complicated. Spindle, housing, couple bearings. Job done. The problem is the spindle itself, as you either need to start with a big lump of metal and remove most of it, make it out of two parts and weld/screw it together, or get it forged. And if you want to use a Camlock chuck, you need to find the correct specification document with all the dimensions (Chuck specs are easy to find, but the spindle specs not so).
Off course, you could buy a spindle - http://www.posa-spindle.com/en/index or http://www.royal-spindles.com.tw/
There is the possibility of a headstock from a more hobby type lathe, but I'm not sure who would supply something like that in the UK.

[Chaz]

I'm tempted to buy this.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smart-Brow...QAAOSwyltZWUgD

It's tatty, might work as a manual lathe, I Can then break it down and take / keep the headstock. Not sure if its worth trying to convert it, just use as is until I am ready to take the headstock.

[Chaz]

PRICING:

InTurn™ MEGA Duty 4th axis US$ 2,950

InTurn™ ULTRA Duty 4th axis

Sealed Ball bearing model US$ 3,795 (introductory price)

InTurn™ Ultra-T

Tapered Roller Bearing model US$ 4,995 (Introductory price)

InTurn™ Tail Stock II US$1,495