CNC Lathe from Scratch

[mackeym]

I've been designing a "CNC lathe from scratch" now for sometime. I have all of the basic parts and am in a position to start building it. I've started to make a webpage log of the progress:
http://mackey-machining-rocketry.com/CNC%20Lathe.html

I'll be updating the webpage with a lot more details on the other parts (motors, drives, ballscrews, etc.).

I still need to finish the tailstock design and add a toolpost.

I was going to start drilling the granite for steel inserts. After i start drilling, i cannot "undrill" the granite. I don't see any reason to change the basic design, but send recommendations if anyone sees something.

[Guldberg]

That is just plain crazy! Somewhat 850kg! Speaking of appartment, are you sure the floor can handle this weight?:-)

[Karl_T]

Originally Posted by Guldberg That is just plain crazy! Somewhat 850kg! Speaking of appartment, are you sure the floor can handle this weight?:-)

Yea, he's certifiable. Almost as bad as me Now, I wish my SO would let me bring something like that into the house. I'm only allowed the basement.

Neat project, some would say "impossible". I've learned those saying impossible should get out of the way of someone doing it.

Karl

[Switcher]

I hope you don't live upstairs from me.

1650 lbs. ! Woooo doggy...

Good luck.


.

[mackeym]

I'm on the bottom floor. It's somewhat underground (2' or so)...and only cement below.

[sergizmo]

Wow, that is a huuuuuuuge plate. Good job in moving that puppy into position.

A couple questions: In the CAD drawing, why are the Z rails hanging way out over the right side? Shouldn't they be restricted to the length of the plate?

Serge

[mackeym]

Yeah, they should be restricted to the end of the plate. I'm actually adding a few inches to the right by bolting 5" x 5" angle plates to the side. As of now i'm leaving them overhang because i'm not ready to cut them (the are new SHS25 black chrome plated). They are longer than what i need, but i'm not complaining. It doesn't hurt anything to leave them overhang for now.

[jalessi]

WOW

[mackeym]

Now this is a huge surface plate.
http://cgi.ebay.com/82-X-158-Granite...2em118Q2el1247

82" x 158" x 26"

[jalessi]

Mackeym,

Are you buying the bigger one for your next project?

Jeff...

[mackeym]

negative

[will gilmore]

I've been thinking of the granite surface plate as the base for a lathe for a while. I'm glad you are going first so I can copy your insert technique. Good luck, continue to take lots of pictures and post technical info