I have been kicking around the idea of a CNC lathe for about a year. Very few on the Builds section ever seem to get completed, so I hope to change that. About 3 weeks ago, I thought I could modify my existing CNC and make the Z height adjustable. Sort of like the LEAD High Z, but where the entire x axis would lift and have two positions to lock into. One for a rotary axis/very thick material cutting, and the normal lower height that I use the most for 2.5D aluminum, HDPE, wood, and acrylic cutting. I think this is still a valid concept and spent WAY too much time designing the gantry plates. However, since I planned to upgrade my current NEMA 23 270 oz motors with Openbuilds high torque on my Y axis, and since I have a Blackbox waiting for a machine along with some leftover v-slot from my original build I think I may do something like below so those old motors can live a productive life. I am attempting to use only off the shelf OpenBuilds parts so anyone could replicate it. Sadly, I may run out of time before the sale is over to figure everything out, but I will still be able to order the major pieces. Originally, I was going to buy the LEAD High Z mod, but realized I would need may items from that parts list, a bunch I wouldn't need, and some that are missing. So here it is, let me know what you think. Again, this was just tossed together quickly to get it out of my head so others could offer advice. The chuck will be a 100 mm 4 jaw from ebay. That one here was one I quickly modeled from a drawing on the internet for an 80mm chuck. I couldn't find the 100 mm, but I wanted a placeholder. The chuck and tail stock are elevated so I can turn things larger in diameter than 100 mm by fastening an adapter on the ends of the stock. Again, this is not a completed design. In fact it is sized at 1500mm long which is too long for OB lead screws. I have thought of a way to bring it down to 1000 mm and still be able to do approximately a 34 inch (875mm) long cutting area by putting the Cbeams on the front. However, it is now time to go to bed.
I see you've seen my post in How do I extend the X axis on a Lead Machine, same concept applies here. This can easily be made the 1500mm you desire if you're willing to work outside the box.
I just saw it. I was thinking for people that do not want the hassle of sourcing the 1/2 inch screws and bearings etc... I use the 1/2"-10 five start screws on my existing "Ox derivative" Y axis. I have the 3/8"- 8 four start on my X.
(; if you want to score all my bonus points, machine a mini Longworth Chuck out of some Alu plate (; How To Make A Longworth Chuck - Ravenview Nothing better than "self producable" (;
Now I have to do it...because I saw it. Now I am thinking the X axis needs to be higher. I didn't think of bowls!
I've been wanting to make a smallish one for sooo long but two moves, a house reno, new baby all in the past year means I have not had time for even one project. I now live vicariously through others. So i really hope you do!
Well, I just ordered everything I need that I do not have on hand. Three (C-beams 1500mm), and 8mm lead screw and nut for the z, some screws, and a few other things. I have a lot of 2040 and 2020 plus screws, cast corners etc... from my diode laser build I never got around to completing do to having a crappy Chinese laser diode and so I got lazy and bought a K40. I did not buy the C-beam end plates since I plan to get a 12mm or 1/2 inch threaded rod resulting in me having to make my own end plates, but that is what the other CNC machine is for.
Hear you go if you need a pattern for Fusion 360 or inkscape. http://www.scrollsaws.com/images/Lathe/LongworthChuckPlan.pdf I didn't know I wanted one of these until today.
Yeah they are pretty popular under woodturners! I never got farther than the attached (file date is June 2018 - yikes! It's been a while!)
hi, i am glad to see the way you designed lathe, it is beautiful. i liked it can you share what software and controller do you use? i have open build Lead CNC 1510 with screw driven and using black box controller,if i have to disconnect one Y axis and connect lathe stepper motor possibility let me know, or let me know how doed your lathe work? i will really appreciate for your response. thanks
i am really interested building one. if you like to share what software and controller do you use for lathe? i have open build LEAD CNC 1510 with screw driven running on black box controller , please advise . your advise really appreciable. thanks
Disconnect both y-axis motors, re-connect one of them to the lathe "spindle" drive. Lathes are X-Z only (sort of). Stock grbl (OpenBuilds-only parts, right there at the top, which means BlackBox).
This is a concept I am working on. Unfortunately, I have not had time to start building it since I have been traveling a lot for work. I have purchased most of the parts and plan to use the Black Box motion controller when I get to that stage. I believe you asked a similar question in another thread and I referenced the Rotary Demon build and here is the location of the Vectric post processor for GRBL.
