Thread: ML7 : To convert, or not...
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28-09-2019 #7
I think the big question you need to ask yourself, is what exactly do you intend to make with the lathe?
If you want to knock out multiples of the same part, or items with a lot of profiling, CNC'ing makes sense.
If you only want to make relatively simple parts in single quantities, then CNC can actually take longer.
I've never been a fan of CNC's that still have handles attached. Manual machining with ballscrews is a pain (larger pitch makes accuracy challenging, and they're not selflocking), and CNCing with ACME screws is not ideal.
I still have a manual lathe, and I wouldn't sell it, but then for simple parts I still like being able to take a sketch and just get on with it.
Everything on a manual lathe can be done on a CNC, it's just if I'm going to have to babysit a CNC to ensure tolerances are on spec for a one off part, I'd much rather be spinning the handles than hitting buttons!
Out of curiosity, do you have a DRO on your lathe?
It makes using a lathe far easier.Avoiding the rubbish customer service from AluminiumWarehouse since July '13.
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