need some advice on type of machine to get (update!)

[Runner4404spd]

ok guys, i'm looking at picking up a job that requires a round part to be turned on a lathe, but also requires a hex to be machined onto the part. i could do this in two operations as the location of the hex is symetric to the round part so orientation of the ehx isn't important. i would like to get one machine that could do both the turning and had an indexable spindle to machine the hex on all in one shot.

i'm looking for recommendations on what kind of machine to get and what brands are good and reliable. all opinions are welcome.

[widgitmaster]

Why not just turn a piece of HEX bar stock round!

[Runner4404spd]

i thought about that but the hex needs to be a specific size to the print and i can't get the hex bar in that specified size. on some of the parts i could do this and probably will since it will save me a step.

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Runner, Without knowing size of hex, qty of pcs. etc. can't make intelligent recommendation. If qty. will justify and size is of hex is small enough, you might be able to use a "rotary broach" attachment supplied by Slater Tools or Somma Tool Co. "ph Horn ph" catalog has "polygon milling head for use on lathes with rotating tools". I assume you must program the work spindle speed to accurately coincide the correct cutter head speed. (live tool spindle). All depends on what the job can justify.

[Runner4404spd]

i'll be making about 1000 pcs of each size per month. sizes will range from 1/2 round stock up to 2.25" round stock. and the hex that needs to be machined will be from 7/16" across the flats on the smallest part up to 2" across the flats on the largest round parts.

these are estimates, but are pretty close to the dimensions that i need. there are more small peices that large peices being produced and some collars have no flats at all.

i realize that the smallest hex will not fit on to the smallest round bar stock, but thats probably the smallest round part that i need to hold at this time. same goes for the largest.

thanks for the help so far.

[jackson]

what price rang are you shooting for

[Runner4404spd]

i'm trying to stay on the cheaper side as i'm just starting out. i am looking for something relatively reliable and smaller is better. i'm not opposed to going for something used as long as its a quality peice that won't break the bank when it comes to fixing it.

[jackson]

google used cnc there are a bunch of dealers with really good deals right now one i check out all the time is www.premierequipment.com

[jackson]

but for me i'm a daewoo fan through and through i have four lathes i have a 06 lynx lm with live tooling but no y axis you would have to go up a modle for the y but as for reliable and resonable price for parts if ever need them there great my new lynx was around $110k with the live tooling parts catcher presetter conv. ect.

[Jay Kyle]

Look for a lathe with a C axis, this allows minor milling on chucked components in the lathe. Can't remember who sells them but I ran across some yeasterday in my search for a lathe - and they were showcasing the very thing you wanted to do.

Jay

[Runner4404spd]

update on information on parts being made...

basically the parts can be made from hex stock. the largest hex stock will 2" across the flats. so that basically means that at the points the material is about 2.23" in diameter. i am hoping that the machine will be able to turn the parts with the hex on center of the machined axis.

i was figuring that with polygon milling or with live tooling that i could use all round stock and then the hex would be on center since its all machined. if i can hold center on the hex then i'm not going to worry about live tooling.

obviously i need a hydraulic chuck and a bar feeder for whatever i buy. i don't want to have to stand there and watch as everyone of the 1000 pcs comes of the lathe.

the parts will have an outside profile as well as a hole down the center. will i need a tailstock? these parts are relatively short. the longest one is about 2.5" long.

so i think i'm not looking at a cnc lathe as opposed to turning center with live turning. again all recommendations are appreciated, and i will be definitely looking at reviews of current machines that people own. so if you can do this job and its working out well please let me know.

[jackson]

Runner,
if you dont want to spend the money on a bar feeder , i use bar pullers cause i really dont have room for bar feeders, but if you have the money and the space bar feeder would be the way to go, and i recomend ATS work holding collet chucks the padded collet chucks is what i use it has a master collet so all you have to do is swap out pads they are great and run true. T.I.R. is about .0005
and of course i still go with daewoo www.atsworkholding.com