Turret for a cnc lathe

[mtechserv]

I'm in the planning stages of a cnc lathe build. I recently purchased a Clausing Colchester VS12 lathe that is in very good condition, except the previous owner trashed several gears in the threading gear box. Due to the high cost of parts from the 600 Group, I figured I would eliminate the threading gear box and change gears and convert to a cnc lathe.

One of my concerns is the turret. I would like to have a turret that could hold at least 4 tools. I've found some aftermarket turrets that can be purchased for this type of application, but the cost was over $3000.

Does anyone have any suggestions on something I could use that may cost a little less?

At one time, there was a post on this site showing a new Birmingham that was converted to cnc and used an old Hardinge turret. I can't seem to find that thread now. I would be interested in doing something similar to this or a less expensive aftermarket unit.

Something else I thought of was a gang tool type setup. Would this be more difficult and expensive than a turret?


Thanks
Brian

[panaceabea]

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46644

[mtechserv]

Thanks, this is basically what I'm looking for. I'm going to review the drawings attached to that post. However, I'm still open to hearing other ideas.



Brian

[panaceabea]

there is one problem I see in the drawing that needs to be corrected, the sub plate that the face plate mounts on shows a radial hole layout for the dowel pins that lock the face plate in position to the turret body of 2.5 inch radius , the mating holes in the turret body show 2.25 inch radius. I believe the 2.5 inch radius to be correct, the 2.25 inch radius is correct for the face plate to subplate mounting holes

[philserveng]

try a company called Duplomatic, they make turrets and toolposts for manual and cnc lathes, they are reasonably priced, and at the high end try Sauter.