Need Help!- Info on Compact 5 CNC Lathe

[fredhh47]

I would like to know a few facts about the EMCO Compact 5 CNC Lathe, which is a desktop, "teaching" lathe commonly found in tech schools, etc.
First is how powerful is the spindle motor? What is the size of the bore thru the spindle? Will it cut accurate threads? Are they easy to operate, as one would expect from a "teaching" machine, or best when retrofitted to a computer-based control system? What kind of price should I expect to pay for a usable one in reasonable condition?
In addition to the Compact 5, does anyone know of a small CNC lathe that can handle about 1" thru the spindle bore and cut threads in steel?
If anyone can answer any of these questions, I would appreciate it.
Thanks, Fred

[hoss2006]

there's a spec sheet on this page (in spanish) for the Compact 5, Emco doesn't give much info but a link to Welsoft upgrades.
If you need the manual, it's available here.
The Grizzly 10x22 is the smallest lathe with a 1 inch spindle bore and cuts steel easily, you would have to cnc it.
Hoss

[AR1911]

There is a very good yahoo group for these machines, with a lot of files for download.

he machine can receive files from a PC via serial connection. there is a very good G-code editing software available free, with current updates.

As to spindle bore, it's pretty small. The spindle taper is MT2

These go for up to $2500 for like-new, with all accessories.
Accessories to look for include the turret tool changer, milling column (pretty useless), collet chuck

[Binski]

Whell the emco lathe is a fun and small machine. it certainly cannot have 1 inch throught the spindle. It has a morse taper 2 in the main spindle.

It does thread nicely but due to the sow traverse speed and the lack of power in low rpm.s its not entirely possible to make threads larger than 1mm lead..

I also have a compact 5 cnc and i'm almost ready retrofitting it to mach 3.

see this:

YouTube - EMCO COMPACT5 cnc lathe monster retrofit mach3 first time running !

YouTube - EMCO COMPACT5 cnc lathe monster retrofit mach3 first time running !

I changed virtually everything on the machine... new steppers, new spindle motor, pulleys, all electronics etc... I just kept the metal base and plating..
I even fitted an angle contact bearing in the front of the spindle..

I found that converting it to mach 3 it has become a more useful and easy to use machine..

I did not like the old controll with the tape deck... originally it does not have end switches which i think is a neccesity to have ...

It still is a small machine so dont expect wonders, but the performance of my machine has improved 200 %..

I can even turn manually with the 2 MPG handwheels in the front..

So if you have one considder retrofitting it...

[dozerose]

I write you for help, I want to update a compact 5 cnc lathe, to establish RS232 communication with mach3 software, I see that you already have done and I would like to know if you can share files and development material.

Regards