Is it possible to machine Ballscrew ends 7x lathe

[Toymanf]

Hello all. I have been reading this forum for close to a year now. This is my first post. I have converted an X3 mill to cnc. I would now like to change to ball screws.

My question is, Is a 7x10 lathe up to the task of machining the ends?

I have not yet bought a lathe. I am seriously considering the 9x19 Grizzly package, But right now, Harbor freights 7x10 would be about half the money out the door. Plus, I could pick it up today!

My gut feeling is to buy the bigger lathe, but that would delay things due to my budget.

So, does someone here have firsthand experience with maching ball screws on a 7x lathe? I am using the Ballscrew stock from Mcmaster Carr.

Thanks for any input
Frank

[jhowelb]

Hi Frank,

I have been "boot strapping" my Grizzly 9X19 (see 9x19 G4000 CNC Conversion) and IMHO anything smaller would be a waste of time and money.

Mine was not able to do that machining till I ditched the diagonal feed. There is a way to use a tool post grinder (Dremmel) to make a peg to fit something you machine. See my thread above for more details.

Either machine you choose, cnc is the way to go. Good luck.

[Toymanf]

Thanks for the input. I read your thread earlier and thanks for sharing all the great info. I feel I should just go with the Grizzly 9x19 package. I do think it will end up cnc'd.
Thanks
Frank

[Trapper14]

I machined my ballscrew ends with a hardinge toolroom lathe, and it was a bear. I wouldn't even THINK of doing it with a smaller lathe. I shudder to think lol

[acondit]

Originally Posted by Trapper14 I machined my ballscrew ends with a hardinge toolroom lathe, and it was a bear. I wouldn't even THINK of doing it with a smaller lathe. I shudder to think lol

Trapper,

Did you anneal the ends before you cut them?

Alan

[Trapper14]

I have to do 6 ballscrew ends, and the first one that I was thinking of i didn't anneal, but after I used a torch on the others it was much better, but still wouldn't want to do it on a small lathe, even with the annealing.

[springlakecnc]

Hi,
I machined somewhere around 1,500 ball screw ends with my 13" lathe. I don't know about the expensive ones, like Cincinnati’s for $5k each and up, but those cheap ones are case hardened. use carbide, and be prepared to single point the threads, but usually when you get down to the thread dia., the case hardening is about gone. And no, I didn't anneal the ends.
Good Luck, Buck

[springlakecnc]

BY THE WAY....... If you need , say a 20" total length screw, and the machining on the thrust end with the threads, is, say 4", buy a 24" screw, that way if you mess it up, you can chop off the extra 4" and have a second chance!!!!
Good Luck,
Buck

[springlakecnc]

Sorry, i re read your question. I had a flimsy 12" Atlas lathe once, it would do it, it just takes way more time, and have your sand paper ready, as your finish will probably be poor. Check if the lathe has a hole in the head stock big enough or enough center to center distance. Also, check if it has the proper thread pitch for your nut you are going to use. If your anywhere near Grand Rapids, Michigan, drop me an e mail and you can come use our lathe. Also, i would guess it don't come with a "Buck Chuck" so bring a indicater with you, and a large dowel or anything about the size of the ball screw, and chuck it up, and check the run out in the lathe. If it has .002 or worse, it would probably mean trouble by not having the bearing journals turned true.

[CarveJunky]

Toymanf,

It is possible to machine the ball screw ends. I did all of mine on the Microlux 7x14. The issue may be more time than anything else. I used carbide tools to get .010 over and then used a toolpost grinder to get to the finished dimensions checking often for fit. Again it can be done if you have the time and tools.

Carvejunky

[debogus]

I know it wasnt real case hardened ball screw but>>>>

I did my ultra cheap 1/2-13 all thread drive screws on my cheap 7 x12 cummingtool lathe

Turned it down to skate bearng ID size then threaded it with a die.


Of coarse used carbide bits. (have to shim those up almost a 1/8 to make center )

Made a jig to support the end (the thought of the 24" sticking out there ,what if it whips OH NOOOO )


So Carvejunky,
How did you fixture the post tool grinder ? got pics ?

[CarveJunky]

debogus,

I have the toolpost Grinder from Little machine shop - #2001
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/pro...001&category=1
It bolts directly to the cross slide in place of the compound.

I also use the Collet chuck - #2532
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/pro...532&category=1
Its great for holding round stock.

Carvejunky