12x24 lathe conversion examples?

[andy55]

Hi all,

We've been looking at an Opti D320x630 lathe (http://www.optimum-maschinen.de/prod...320/index.html) with my friend. We've already converted a mill to cnc but would like to do this lathe next.

Anyone know some good links or threads where converting this size of lathe is discussed ?

From the experience with the mill we are going to go with ballscrews and servos right away (no more acme-threads and steppers please...)

It looks like the leadscrew that is used for threading when the machine is used in manual mode can be removed and replaced with a ballscrew. There seems to be lots of room behind the handwheels for mounting the ballnut, and the motor could be mounted in the tailstock end.

I'm more worried about the X-movement, and would be very interested if someone had already done a conversion so I could see if/how a ballscrew fits the standard dovetail+slide. mounting the motor behind the lathe out of the operators way seems to be a good idea.

thanks for any replies,

AW

[BobWarfield]

Track down Ron111's conversions.

You will likely want to mount the ballscrew alongside the slide rather than inside the dovetail area as there is a lot more room that way. That's how Ron111 did his last conversion.

Best,

BW

[andy55]

thanks, I think I found it:
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32470