Difference between revisions of "Metalworking Want"
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==Spindle== | ==Spindle== | ||
The spindle bearings are very essential. Zero-maintenance sealed bearings are expected. Chuck mounting system is important - a D1 Cam Lock mount is the best. | The spindle bearings are very essential. Zero-maintenance sealed bearings are expected. Chuck mounting system is important - a D1 Cam Lock mount is the best. '''Check the manual to see what the chuck mounting system is. Some are awful.''' | ||
Revision as of 17:06, 26 April 2022
| Cost | Make | Model | Weight | Dimensions | Size | Motor | Imp/Metric LeadScrew | Powerfeed | Slide Locks | Accessories | Gearbox | Spindle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example | Example | Example | ||||||||||
| Example | Example | Example | ||||||||||
| Example | Example | Example |
Infinitely helpful: Youtube
Motor
Brushless DC is better - small, light yet more powerful, speed control for free.
Powerfeed
In order to enable power feed, cheap solutions clamp down on the lead screw to generate the feed, but the disadvantage is this wears out the lead screw. RPM of lead screw controlled by transmission, gearbox, quick change gears etc. pulling power off the spindle. Since there's limited space in gearbox for change gears, lathes that power the lead screw off the spindle often run too fast to cut threads easily. Expensive solutions add a second lead screw and power it separately. The middle ground is to have a keyway in the leadscrew (a notch that runs the length of the threaded rod), and tap power from the leadscrew using gearing inside the carriage. Power Cross-Feed is a feature that powers the carriage motion across the cutting area. It's enabled via a clutch on the carriage. These lathes should have a power feed clutch lever and a half-nut lever. Check the manual for all the feeding options.
Slide Locks
Good lathes should have carriage locks, cross side locks and compound locks, which are easy to adjust. Everything that moves in the carriage should be lockable. Being able to lock things you are not using to increase rigidity is huge with small lathes. Check the manual for a listing of all the locks.
Accessories
A good steady rest and follow rest are essential. Alura-style quick change tool post is a plus.
Gearbox
Expensive lathes allow a lot of configuration within the gearbox. Cheaper lathes make you use change gears to get the configurations. Some change gears are plastic, some metal. The highest end have polished, machined metal gears. Mid grade are often forged metal gears that need to be de-burred, polished to use. Check the manual to make sure the change gears can be setup to do the thread cutting you want to do.
Spindle
The spindle bearings are very essential. Zero-maintenance sealed bearings are expected. Chuck mounting system is important - a D1 Cam Lock mount is the best. Check the manual to see what the chuck mounting system is. Some are awful.