Wood lathe vs. metal lathe

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CKormann

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I am thinking of switching to a metal lathe to make kitless pens. I know it is not required but I would really like to have the extra precision, plus I want to turn metal pens.

I would love to hear opinions on the pros and cons.

Should I make the switch, I am currently interested in a Sherline CNC lathe. Certainly having a CNC lathe helps with precision, but is it necessary? Will a non-CNC metal lathe serve the same purpose?

Thanks,
Chris
 
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pbrad1313

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Metal Lathe

I use a metal lathe for all non-wood turnings. I had a couple acrylics blow out using a wood lath. Since I started using a metal lathe they all turn out perfect.
Mine is a basic mini from Harbor Freight. I think a CNC is overkill and takes away some of the pleasure of turning. I also use it to make my own bushings.
Little Machine Shop in Pasadena has all types of accessories for small lathes.
 
KenV

KenV

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CNC makes the process repeatable, but the programmer still needs to know the feedpath, feed rate, speeds, etc.

Still need to learn machine tools and processes and CNC adds on.
 
mredburn

mredburn

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Lots of us that make kitless have metal lathes. THe one advantage of cnc over a std metal lathe is contour. IF you already know how to program it or have the software to do what you need to do, You can make curved profiles for your parts without having to do them by hand. If you have steppers that have dual shafts you can put handwheels on the back and do it either way.
 
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CKormann

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Thanks guys, all of that is very helpful. One more question. For those using a metal lathe, do you also use a mill for drilling or are you able to drill on the lathe?

Chris
 
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low_48

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Last edited:
F

farmer

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Cnc

low_48 said:
farmer said:
CKormann said:
That's pretty cool, Mike.
Click to expand...

You need to know how to write a file for a cnc BEFORE you buy one ...

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...332F381245BFCBCB97C5332F381245BFC&FORM=VRDGAR
Click to expand...

I ran a 5 axis, 5'x10'x3'Z Motionmaster CNC for 12 years and never wrote a single line of code. Programs with 100,000+ lines of code. The post processor was written by Motionmaster, and the software did the rest.
Click to expand...


I don't have 20k for software like that...........
Nor can I afford to hire a programmer.
Actually I couldn't afford to go to school on how to learn to operate a CNC and or write my own files.

I only have a few files that I use over and over, 80% of everything I cut is a new file.
If I had to hire someone to write my lines of code I my as well close the doors.
The guys that work from their garages cant afford to have these files wrote for them.
 
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low_48

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farmer said:
low_48 said:
farmer said:
CKormann said:
That's pretty cool, Mike.
Click to expand...

You need to know how to write a file for a cnc BEFORE you buy one ...

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...332F381245BFCBCB97C5332F381245BFC&FORM=VRDGAR
Click to expand...

I ran a 5 axis, 5'x10'x3'Z Motionmaster CNC for 12 years and never wrote a single line of code. Programs with 100,000+ lines of code. The post processor was written by Motionmaster, and the software did the rest.
Click to expand...


I don't have 20k for software like that...........
Nor can I afford to hire a programmer.
Actually I couldn't afford to go to school on how to learn to operate a CNC and or write my own files.

I only have a few files that I use over and over, 80% of everything I cut is a new file.
If I had to hire someone to write my lines of code I my as well close the doors.
The guys that work from their garages cant afford to have these files wrote for them.
Click to expand...

$20,000 is the cheapest you have found? Have you looked at Aspire? Not everyone has to learn to write G code. There are other options out there, and even a few free options show up on a search. I've never used free, so I can't give a recommendation.
 
Last edited:
mredburn

mredburn

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Aspire from what I see on the website is not 4 or 5 axis Cam software. its a 3d Cad/Cam software program.
The 4th and 5th axis add considerably to the cost.
 
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low_48

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Peoria, IL, USA.
mredburn said:
Aspire from what I see on the website is not 4 or 5 axis Cam software. its a 3d Cad/Cam software program.
The 4th and 5th axis add considerably to the cost.
Click to expand...

Is farmer using 4 or 5 axis? From what I read, Aspire supports wrapped 4 axis machining.


Toolpaths

Material Setup
2D Production Profiling
Fast and Efficient Pocketing – optimizes
use of 2 tools
Drilling
Precision V-Carving
Raised Prism Machining
Fluting Toolpaths - Ramp in/out
Efficient Texture Toolpath
Auto-Inlay Toolpaths
3D Roughing and Finishing
High Quality Toolpath Preview
Estimated Machining Times
Toolpath Tiling – Divides toolpaths to fit material or machine limits
Toolpath Templates
Form Tools - custom shaped cutter profiles
Wrapped Rotary Axis Toolpaths
Production Plate Engraving
Quick Engrave for diamond drag tools
Merged Toolpath
Create Job Sheet
 
F

farmer

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Jun 16, 2012
Messages
807
Location
NV
low_48 said:
mredburn said:
Aspire from what I see on the website is not 4 or 5 axis Cam software. its a 3d Cad/Cam software program.
The 4th and 5th axis add considerably to the cost.
Click to expand...

Is farmer using 4 or 5 axis? From what I read, Aspire supports wrapped 4 axis machining.


Toolpaths

Material Setup
2D Production Profiling
Fast and Efficient Pocketing – optimizes
use of 2 tools
Drilling
Precision V-Carving
Raised Prism Machining
Fluting Toolpaths - Ramp in/out
Efficient Texture Toolpath
Auto-Inlay Toolpaths
3D Roughing and Finishing
High Quality Toolpath Preview
Estimated Machining Times
Toolpath Tiling – Divides toolpaths to fit material or machine limits
Toolpath Templates
Form Tools - custom shaped cutter profiles
Wrapped Rotary Axis Toolpaths
Production Plate Engraving
Quick Engrave for diamond drag tools
Merged Toolpath
Create Job Sheet
Click to expand...


3 axis CNC Wood router with a taig lathe mounted on the 3 axis CNC.
The Taig lathe DOESNT Have Stepper motor mounted on it.

I use the Lathe/ CNC combo to the tapers on Pool cues and Cue shafts.

I have not ever wrote a file for a 4 axis machine..

I have CAM/BAM, Mach 3 and Mach 3 Addon's Aspire Photo carve.
I have one other software that I use to load a 2d image in and then pull then edit the image to a 3D image.

My main interests in CNC's is to do something like this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqkZ4DRQnsE
 
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