lathes, what's best?

[Stu Bloom]

Dave, I don't doubt your figures ... but how in the heck to you support a piece of stock between 80 foot centers ??

[nobrakes8]

Originally Posted by Stu Bloom

Dave, I don't doubt your figures ... but how in the heck to you support a piece of stock between 80 foot centers ??

A steady rest

[Andy Baker]

From what I hear, these guys have really, really big lathes. They probably cost a bit more than Anthony's price will allow. Heck, for the right price, those crazy guys will probably build one as big as a tractor-trailer!

Andy B.

[dlavery]

Originally Posted by Stu Bloom

Dave, I don't doubt your figures ... but how in the heck to you support a piece of stock between 80 foot centers ??

When the piece of stock is 12 feet in diameter, it is not too much of a problem!

(but it is not really just a solid piece of stock - it is actually the outer skin walls of the first stage of the rocket, which is made of three isopanels, bent to shape and welded together into a cylinder; the whole assembly is then turned on the lathe to true it up as the tank end caps are welded on).

I have a picture of this bad boy somewhere. I will post it if I can find it. But in the mean time, take a look at this big Bridgeford lathe being used to turn a 20-foot auger bit.

-dave

[Kevin Watson]

Originally Posted by dlavery

I have a picture of this bad boy somewhere.

Is this it?

-Kevin