Need Help!- Traub cam-auto questions

[_WALLACE_]

I have recently been working for a company that sports 2 traub lathes, i believe 1 is an A25 (cos it fits 25mm bar up the spindle), and the other is an A60. I'm currently making runs of 5,000 - 10,000 steel and bronze bushes (various sizes).

Anyway, i have been toying with the idea of replacing the HSS drills with U-Drills(16mm to 35mm), and all the other tools (long turning tool, part-off and chamfer) with carbide (although i know the od tools will be fine).

Has anyone had any experience/luck with this idea?

Please post thoughts/comments please.

Cheers,

_wallace_

[_WALLACE_]

bump..... Boss is making an appearance on friday. Really would love to get this idea into motion.

[fizzissist]

I ran A-25's for years, along with a couple of A-42's and an A-56 (which I didn't care for....I just don't like big and clunky.... )

They are absolutely wonderful machines if you understand their shortcomings, and get the feel for what they will, and won't do.

I love U-drills, I mean absolutely, positively LOVE 'em. But my experience with 'em is limited to the 3/4-1" range, and on a big CNC.

One thing certain, you need to ensure that the bar feeder is set up so the bars are PERFECTLY on axis with the spindle so you minimize the potential for push-back while drilling. ... That's the biggest problem I had with the A-42's, bar alignment.

The #21 collets are rugged, and you can put a lot of closing force on them, just sacrificing the throw out bearings, follower, cam, and collet sleeve life if you have to really push 'em....But I think they'll take the pressure. Long as you're not cutting nasty materials.

I had good luck with carbide as long as I was careful. Chatter was the biggest killer....BUT.....

The other BIG problem is horsepower and rpm...The A25 will give you the rpms, but not sure about the A60.

Tell you one thing, I'd heartily recommend a trial on a smaller U-drill to start. Sandvik's 880 series worked remarkably well for me, and the local Sandvik rep should be happy to help you with tech support.

...One serious caveat....Using a good screw machine oil likely as not won't be compatible with the U-drill.....And a water based coolant in the Traubs causes other problems....just be aware.

ps..... I have some hints for quick set up if you're interested. We ran primarily short-run production, and repeat jobs. I loved those machines.

[neilrob]

Any one know of a source of information regarding the cam design of the TRAUB A38 model auto lathes, and the general running of this type of machine.
Have purchased (cheaply) one of these - rather than see it scrapped.
I am conversant and use CNC milling but just a bit out of my depth with this machine -Aim is to use for small brass fittings.
Previous owners lost manuals in machine shift to new premises.

[fizzissist]

You still looking???