Need Help!- CNC LATHE

[Paulo E.]

Hey guys,
The company I work for is looking into a compact CNC Lathe for secondary operations. The machine would be used 3 to 5 hrs a week. With that in mind they dont want to spend a bundle of money, say $20k tops. So far I've been looking into a Haas lathe and a couple of other options but I cant seem to find anything under 20. If any of you know of any companies that have a reliable system that falls with in the price criteria, I would love to hear from you. Any and all suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance

[CNCRim]

It's hard to said what machine is best for you 'cause what material is you plan to turn with the machine how tough is the material. Check this site they have couple used machine that in your price range. http://www.emachinetool.com/usedcnc/index.cfm

[Paulo E.]

You are right, CNCRIM. To be a bit more specific, the material will be 6al 4v titanium and we would be removing no more than 10 thou. More than anything else we are looking for a machine that offers repeatability. btw Thanks for the reply

[underthetire]

20K for a new machine will get you something un-reliable IMO. Best to buy a used Okuma, Mori, Nakamura, Mazak.

[Paulo E.]

I understand that argument very well, Underthetire. The thing is how to justify a substantial investment for an item will be sitting idle for 99% of the work week, again this machine taking in consideration our full output will be used no more than 3 to 5 hours a week. So it is a bit hard for me to justify to the production dept spending a whole lot more than 20K. If it were up to me I would get a mori or a nice Hardinge SP, but thats just me ^_^ thanks for the imput.

[underthetire]

Originally Posted by Paulo E. I understand that argument very well, Underthetire. The thing is how to justify a substantial investment for an item will be sitting idle for 99% of the work week, again this machine taking in consideration our full output will be used no more than 3 to 5 hours a week. So it is a bit hard for me to justify to the production dept spending a whole lot more than 20K. If it were up to me I would get a mori or a nice Hardinge SP, but thats just me ^_^ thanks for the imput.

Thats why I suggested a used machine. There are some very nice machines used for under 20K. I know where several nice used Okumas are right now. Range on those is 10K to 22K, some are 2003 machines, the others mid 90's.

[cad01]

Originally Posted by underthetire Thats why I suggested a used machine. There are some very nice machines used for under 20K. I know where several nice used Okumas are right now. Range on those is 10K to 22K, some are 2003 machines, the others mid 90's.

I agree. You can get a great deal on a slightly used Okuma. With all the shops that have closed up you shouldn't have any problems finding a good bargin for a great machine. I run two okuma's (LB15 and Cadet) both run Ti-6al-4v all day long. I hold +/-.0002 with surface finishes around 8um. Both machines are from early-mid 90's.

[CNCRim]

Paul E, hmmm it is very tough choice, I recommend get a cnc desktop lathe since the job is small and don't need a lot of power, BUT the dammmmm desktop is expensive consider the power they they have. My 2 cent, I willing spend extra $5000/$6000 to get a used machine that can has use for something else later down the road.

If it's come down the $ sign cnc desktop, if thinking more used out the the machine go with used lathe.

[CNCZILLA]

Absolutly go with Okuma. I can probably put you on a great machine easily for your range. Several choices, an LB or LU machine will run your parts all day long. Let me know if i can help.

[judleroy]

For what you need it for you may want to consider www.microkinetics.com . They offer a few cnc lathes and with all options available you can get out for about 12000.
Judleroy

[Paulo E.]

Guys thanks for all the input, keep it coming. I will look into the used Okumas as suggested. On a side note, I dont have that much experience with the Okuma line as to say I've run and program a few Okuma lathes here and there.
Are there any that fit the bill as far as being compact and reliable ? that's one of the things that I need the machine to be rather compact.


Underthetire if you have any info or leads into any of the Okumas, I will greatly apreciate the help.

Thanks in advance

[underthetire]

The shop i'm thinking about has (or had) some okumas for sale.
1. Okuma LB9, small machine, early 90's vintage
1 Okuma LB12, late 80's, early 90's. Operator said machine holds tenths all day long
4 LNC8's (Cadet) mid 90's, no tailstocks
3 ESL8's 2001-2003 models I think, with tailstocks.
and some LR machines, but i think those are pretty rough.

If any of these strike your fancy, could put you in contact with the shops MGR, these are pretty well maintained machines, you won't get junk from any of these. All machines are in Northern Ca.

PM me if you want a number, I won't post it here.