Automate x axis

[shawnwacker]

Has any one tried to automate the x axis on an Atlas 618 lathe?

 

[JimDawson]

Anything is possible. What do you have in mind?

 

[Bill Gruby]

Not yet but I'll be working on it soon. I did it on my 9X20, how much harder can it be? :lmao::lmao: I used a washer motor from a Ferrari for that one.

"Billy G"

 

[Bill Gruby]

Looks like it's been done.

http://www.hobby-machinist.com/showthread.php/24766-Power-feed-for-Atlas-Craftsman-618-Lathe

"Billy G"

 

[shawnwacker]

That's what I was thinking. Perfect write up I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Bill Gruby]

If I were going to use the auto feed for facing, I would not do the top slide. I would automate the cross slide. There is more travel and less work in setting up to cut. I will see if I can find the link to the 9X20 I did. Found it.

http://www.hobby-machinist.com/showthread.php/16439-9X20-Power-Cross-feed?highlight=auto+cross+feed

"Billy G"

 

[shawnwacker]

I think it makes great sense to move the cross slide. definitely going to look at that first and I do not see why and cannot be done. I give everyone a little background on this Lathe. an extremely good friend of mine gave it to me about 7 years ago and I told him I would fix it. He passed away about 2 years ago and I saw it sitting there and for some reason felt guilty I never did it. so here we go. I hope I do it justice. by the way when I got it nothing and I mean nothing on it would move. it took wood block and a dead blow hammer to get it apart.

 

[shawnwacker]

 

[shawnwacker]

today I am started on the tool holder. ill get some pics up soon

 

[shawnwacker]

Had no idea there were so many pieces in the cross slide.