I own the Atlas 10" lathe already. I plan to make small parts to prototype a gearbox for sub 10hp vehicles as proof of concept. I could use the lathe manually, but feel I am unable to get consistent results. As I understand, sub-13" swing machines should not be considered for heavier cutting. I do not require heavy or fast cutting as I only need accurate results no matter the time to make them.
Feeds are pretty slow on a lathe so I assume I will be able to use steppers (possibly closed loop) with a good certainty that it will be accurate. Ballscrews will be a must as accuracy is desired. One manufacturer stated rolled ball screw variance of 0.050/300mm (0.002/12"). Ground ball screw is 0.025/300mm (0.001/12"). I believe ground ball screw from a reputable manufacturer is good enough for prototyping as I only need to make sure the parts work, not last forever. Though, 0.050/300 (0.002/12") on each of two axes may bring my leniency on precision to bite me in the rear. Maybe my wallet is bare and I am justifying cheating out with rolled ball screws. The size of which I am not familiar with in the least. I see 1605 quite often with smaller lathes. Am I getting beyond that size and should look to 2005 for added strength? And will there be a necessity for different size ball screws on crossfeed and saddle?
As far as steppers, I was thinking something like 570oz-in dual shaft steppers to retain manual operation. I may even be able to find closed loop steppers in that size range.
Upon writing down just some of the components to make this cnc lathe, I have to wonder if I am making more work for myself than I need to. I could screw up many components several times over to get acceptable parts and still not spend more time nor money than if I built this cnc lathe. But you know what? I wouldn't have a cnc lathe when I was finished! Sometimes we do things because we want to and can...not that we should.
Feeds are pretty slow on a lathe so I assume I will be able to use steppers (possibly closed loop) with a good certainty that it will be accurate. Ballscrews will be a must as accuracy is desired. One manufacturer stated rolled ball screw variance of 0.050/300mm (0.002/12"). Ground ball screw is 0.025/300mm (0.001/12"). I believe ground ball screw from a reputable manufacturer is good enough for prototyping as I only need to make sure the parts work, not last forever. Though, 0.050/300 (0.002/12") on each of two axes may bring my leniency on precision to bite me in the rear. Maybe my wallet is bare and I am justifying cheating out with rolled ball screws. The size of which I am not familiar with in the least. I see 1605 quite often with smaller lathes. Am I getting beyond that size and should look to 2005 for added strength? And will there be a necessity for different size ball screws on crossfeed and saddle?
As far as steppers, I was thinking something like 570oz-in dual shaft steppers to retain manual operation. I may even be able to find closed loop steppers in that size range.
Upon writing down just some of the components to make this cnc lathe, I have to wonder if I am making more work for myself than I need to. I could screw up many components several times over to get acceptable parts and still not spend more time nor money than if I built this cnc lathe. But you know what? I wouldn't have a cnc lathe when I was finished! Sometimes we do things because we want to and can...not that we should.