Possible lathe project
Multiple questions here. Tried searching, but convert box ways linear guides doesn't pull up much helpful
Background:
Project idea is to buy an old, but relatively small (12x36 or so) lathe, do a full CNC conversion, including a conversion to using linear guides on the Z axis since the box ways are likely to be in poor condition. That last part is what brings me to the forums to post and not just lurk every now and then!
More background: I'm limiting the size of the lathe because I could strip it down and put it on a haas vf-2 for machining. I don't want to lose much space between the spindle and the ways, so I was thinking I'd mill channels into the original ways to drop them down at least a little bit.
So, questions. First, is this even sane? Would milling channels weaken the existing box ways too much and cause excessive flex? Is there a minimum thickness of iron I should leave? The linear guides themselves should help strengthen it somewhat being hard/rigid themselves and bolted in at regular smallish intervals, but I worry that the lathe was designed with a minimum amount of material for the desired rigidity....though maybe they just threw a bunch of metal at it and hoped
Second: Assuming the channel idea isn't stupid, is there any special finishing needed on these channels? (Please don't say grinding) I have full time access to the milling machine, so its not like a ludicrously slow finishing pass is a problem. Beyond that, should I be doing anything else?
Third: Any additional pitfalls/information I'd likely need?
Fourth: Any better ways of doing this?
My other idea is to get a large iron plate (or maybe mild steel) bolt the headstock to this, mill channels in this, and you can probably figure out the restBut if I were to do that, maybe it would be better to start from scratch?
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Re: Possible lathe project
Access to a Haas mill ? Very nice ! Also suggests you may have a good source of raw materials.
I'd keep the headstock off the donor lathe and whatever else suits your plans (motor, etc) and build the rest but that is the long road and
you may want to be running sooner. Conversions are usually a collection of compromises, making things fit what already exists.
As far as smallish lathes having globs of excess material, I don't think engineers think that way.
My 2 cents and worth exactly that.
Anyone who says "It only goes together one way" has no imagination.
Re: Possible lathe project
Box ways would indicate you are looking at Atlas lathes, those are the only ones that I know of that had box rather than V ways. No real problem there, but they are a bit on the light side in general. But there is no reason that you couldn't just take a light skin cut on the top of the ways and install the linear rails. Then maybe shim up the headstock to get the height you want.
You could strengthen the whole assembly by bolting the lathe bed to a substantial base, maybe an old mill table if you can find one.
Sounds like an interesting project.
Jim Dawson
Sandy, Oregon, USA
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