Thread: CNC Lathes
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Unread 11-11-2012, 01:32
Adrian Clark Adrian Clark is offline
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Re: CNC Lathes

Quote:
Originally Posted by MICHAELABICK View Post
The only things that I can think of off the top of my head that would need a CNC lathe is a shifting block like the ones 254 uses and WCD output shafts if we got live tooling with the lathe.
That would be an operation done on a mill (CNC or manual) with a 4th axis with roughing/circlip-groves done on a manual lathe.

I can't think of any part that you would make for an FRC robot that couldn't be made on a manual lathe. The only advantage of a CNC lathe I can think of is the high turnaround time and the repeatability, but if you or anyone on your team has never run one before I can guarantee it will be a while before you gain either of those benefits.

CNC machines are not magical part producing machining, they require a lot of knowledge and expertise to operate. I would highly recommend that you spend your money elsewhere.