New CNC Lathe build

[sprinter]

Here is a few of the photos of my new build. I started with the basic lathe kit and the only lathe modifications required is drilling and tapping of 2 holes. I'm mounting everything to a frame built with 80/20 extrusions. Attached is some pictures of the cross slide. I also had to make a new 1/4-20 LH screw to increase the length to attach to the stepper.

[thumper650]

Watching with great anticipation. looks good. I have a cnc Taig mill and would like the interchanging ability of the lathe and mill accessories.
Like the stepper being on back also outta the way. Are you going to use the powerfeed leadscrew for you z?

[fretsman]

Did you ever finish the first one you were building back a couple of years ago when you used to have the "taigusersforum" (mentioned in your signature)?

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/taig_m...cnc_lathe.html

Dave

[sprinter]

Dave, I finished it, but I wasn't totally pleased with it. It had more vibration than I wanted and the backlash in the X axis needed improvement. This new design corrects those major problems as well as a few more.

Here is a photo of the finished slantbed lathe.

[fretsman]

Ah, I see, thanks for sharing-

Dave

[sprinter]

I'm using the American Bosch 90 v DC treadmill motor and MC 60 speed controller. You can find both on ebay. The motor mounts to the taig head and is extremely solid with little vibration. Here are some pictures.

[fretsman]

I'm using those as well and have had good success with it (knocking on wood). I actually covered my case as not to let chips inside, how will you protect yours?

Dave

[sprinter]

Dave,
I haven't covered the motor in the past and never had a chip problem.
Ken

[sprinter]

Here are the pictures with the lathe mounted to the 80/20 frame with the Z axis screw assembly in place. I used the Taig CNC Mill X axis complete screw assembly, stepper motor mount and nut. It makes for a very nice adjustable and compact unit that only costs around $80.

[sprinter]

I used my Taig CNC mill to machine all the parts required with the exception of the X screw, which I made on the Taig lathe before I started the conversion. All of the gibb and Z screw nut adjustments are assessable without removing anything. I also used several slotted screw holes to make initial setup easy to do. The 80/20 extrusion really made the Z screw mounting easy to do, it actually is beneath the bed to help with swarf buildup. I also ran the wiring using the channels in the 80/20 extrusion to "hide it" and keep a clean look.

I'm using a Gekko G540 for the electronics.

[sprinter]

The basic lathe is now together! It is very solid, low vibration, extremely smooth and quiet. Overall I'm very pleased with the initial testing.

[sprinter]

I finished the alignment of the gibbs and screw nuts and I'm really surprised with the backlash, The X is .0003 and the Z is .0005. I probably could improve the Z, but on a lathe .0005 is more than acceptable.

I still need to add a tach and limit switches, but those can wait while I enjoy my new toy