Lathe Suggestions
 

4909 is looking to purchase a lathe for the upcoming season and I wanted to see what everyone suggests. I've been keeping an eye out on Craigslist but it's slow going.

I've also looked at something along the lines of Precision Matthews (http://www.machinetoolonline.com/PM-1127-VF.html).

What are some suggestions?

Re: Lathe Suggestions
 

What is your budget for this, and how big would you like it to be?

Re: Lathe Suggestions
 

$3000-$3500

When it comes to specs I am in the dark.

Re: Lathe Suggestions
 

We got this one this season: http://www.pts-tools.com/cgi/CGP2SRI...91135740322589

It has worked out well for our needs so far. The ability to precisely cutoff and tap 1/2" shaft has been a game changer. We have also been able to cut pockets to recess bearings into gears, machine custom intake pulleys out of plastic, and turn down hubs to thin them out. We haven't done any steel work on this lathe.

Changing speeds is a slow process, but we ran most of our operations at the lowest speed this year with the carbide lathe tools from harbor freight. Use oil/tap magic. Make sure you buy motor oil to keep everything running smooth.

I'm impressed by the number of safety interlocks on this lathe, it has an estop, a power off button, an interlocked chuck shield, and the belt/gearbox cover is interlocked.

Overall I think this lathe will be able to accomplish almost all of the lathe machining we could wish for at least for several years. I would recommend that you don't overthink this decision too much, the best lathe is the one you have.

Re: Lathe Suggestions
 

Finding a good used lathe is a lot more difficult than finding a used milling machine. There is no single "flagship" design that you see with Bridgeport knee mills for lathes. You need to know what you are looking for in terms of minimum specs and capabilities of the machine. But the upside is if you are patient and watchful you can get a lot more machine for your money.

What are you wanting to make with it primarily? Shafts and drive axles? Because you can get away with a tiny lathe for those kinds of parts.

Re: Lathe Suggestions
 

so if you want a slightly above average Lathe, and want to build immense knowledge then this is the path to take :D

Re: Lathe Suggestions
 

What sorcery is this? That is an impressive overhaul you did on that machine!

We use a stock Grizzly G0602 and are pretty happy with it. For a manual machine it works well enough and is a good size for most FRC parts. As a bonus, there are many places online that show how to convert it to CNC.


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Re: Lathe Suggestions
 

Thanks! though I might be able to find a better "after" picture. This is where OCD pays off :rolleyes:

Re: Lathe Suggestions
 

Machining 1/2 inch hex shaft can be done on a mini-lathe.

For general FRC use something around a 10 x 40 with a BXA tool post size is ideal. Having a quick change tool post speeds up the work. Watch the motor specs, you need a motor that will work with your existing power outlets.

You'll want to save some of your budget to buy a good assortment of cutting tools, cutoff blade, grooving tools for c-clips/e-clips. Also a full tap and drill set.

Re: Lathe Suggestions
 

What have you used that sized lathe for? I've never thought of a job that really required more than 10" of working travel or 7.5" diameter max (and that's only for custom pneumatic wheels or something), but I'm sure teams have used the full travel before.

Re: Lathe Suggestions
 

My Brother made this swerve drive (by himself) https://grabcad.com/library/swerve-d...lder_id=871722 if you see the white part in the plate that is to take any linear thrust and act as a bearing. It's about 5-7" in dia. we needed to use the lathe i posted earlier to make this. this Swerve was designed by my brother to be completely manual machined, (no cnc parts). So there are some needs for a bigger lathe :)

link to the cad https://grabcad.com/library/swerve-d...lder_id=871722

Re: Lathe Suggestions
 

Your typical mini lathe has 7 inches of swing.

Stepping up to a larger mill provides-
Considerably more powerful motor
Stiffer overall machine, higher accuracy
More Speed Options
Ability to use a BXA tool post (1/2" tooling) over 3/8" tooling on a mini-mill.
Ability to machine larger items if needed.
More options for creating threads
Room to Center bore. (Harder to do on a short mini-lathe)

Re: Lathe Suggestions
 

A Grizzly G602 is a great choice. Get the stand with it. Allow $3-500 for tooling and accessories.

Regardless of new or used - but especially used - if you ahve no experience with a lathe, either find someone who does or start learning fast. A lathe needs tender care. Older used machines can take more abuse, but unless you know lathes, you won't be able to restore it to where it needs to be.

I recommend getting a copy of South Bend's "how to run a lathe" - Atlas makes a similar book, and either can be had for under $20 on eBay (or $25 new from the factory). These books were written in the 1930s and are still excellent resources, they tell you almost all you need to know in very plain language. Do this before committing to a lathe.

Re: Lathe Suggestions
 

This South Bend book is available online as well.

Maintenance is Key: Monitoring the oil level, and having a proper oil can with a bronze tip that fits the oil ball bearing ports is important to keeping your lathe running well. Lubricate the gears with grease. Never use shop air to blow the chips off. Same advice goes for all your machine tools, take care of them and they last and perform well.