Gun Head CNC 7X

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while it looks very well built and precise, to me there would be other factors involved in buying a CNC or any lathe: what accessories are available for it? what accessories are compatible with it? I don't even see if it has a morse taper, and it seems like a tail stock is not available.
so it might be great for very specific tasks, not so good for a general full porpuse machine.
 
I was wondering how do you drill holes to cut female threads, looked all over for a tail stock. Did not think about Morse taper for the head stock, that is important too!
 
Reading their information it is used in the paintball industry ... and for $2500 I do believe you could do far better IF you are intending on turning wood. Might even be able to buy a good set of tools as well, and some blanks and finishing material as well.
 
Kinda cool, very light duty. I guess they were in such a hurry to make the video they couldn't take the time to grind a good tool tip. If you used a quick change tool holder you can do a lot more, but for that kind of money.........
 
Looks like a typical converted 7 x XX metal lathe available from several suppliers made in China. Also looks like the standard tailstock would fit. If you take off the chuck, it likely has a 3MT on the headstock which is common to metal lathes.

The advantage of this type of lathe is if you are making a lot of the same shape or a very complex shape. Also fairly easy to cut single start and multi start threads.

If I was in the business of making high volumes of pens, I might consider this, buy would probably go with something with similar capability only a little beefier.

A CNC 4 axis mill on the other hand can lead to a lot more possibilities of pen design.
 
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Bruce, you are right on the money.

If you already own a 7X lathe buying the CNC kit for $1,399 okay if already have computer and software.

http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_lathe/Versions/Versions_other_7x.htm

I was not impressed with u-tube video, wanted to see internal/external threads made. First CAD/CAM software found runs around $1,000. I am not sure what that software can do.

http://www.ezcam.com/web/index.htm

Think Smithy CNC milling machine for small shop start at $9,999 and computer support only $48 per hour.

Guys use 7X lathes to make all kinds of one off stuff with and without computer aided design software. If they had the money bet some would buy the kit and software.

I am on my third full size wood lathe, sold a Jet mini last year. Please don't talk to me about spending money on tools and equipment you want more than need.
 
Just watched the whole video, not impressed much at all. Deffinately too light duty, even for aluminum. If Fig Noogle is still around, they offer conversion kit for the 7x lathes. I have been wanting to build a small cnc lathe from scratch, and still might some day.
As for Ezcam, excellent software. We used an old dos based version at the shop for a long time. Now we have the full blown milling and turning from them. Still learning it, but good stuff for the money.
 
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