I have a couple of questions regarding the conversion of my HF 9x20, I've read other posts but have some basic questions. Hope ya'll can help.
First off I'm using some old 1/2-5 2 start precison McMaster Carr Acme Lead Screws and Dumpster CNC Anti backlash nuts for the two axis'. So for the conversion, it's fairly straightforward, right? I mean just make some brackets to hold some angular contact bearings on one end, a floater bearing on the other and the the nut to tie into each axis. Then hook up an encoder to the spindle so mach can keep time and do threading operations? Setup Mach and you're done, right? It just seems so basic compared to converting a mill.
Now a couple of basic lathe operation questions. If I'm parting a piece and the piece is let's say 2" in diameter, I can't have my parting tool which is like 3/32" thick sticking out that much because it will chattter? So when doing a deep parting operation do I program in a stop and readjust the tool length, or does the parting blade stick out as far as I need from the beginning?
If I don't mind changing belts for different spindle speeds then I don't need to do anything else besides add the spindle sensor for doing CNC threading operations?
When setting up a part in a CNC lathe how do you determine where the tool zero is, do you measure the part exactly then use feelers to touch the tool to the non-moving part, zero out mach and then offset by the amount of the feeler? I'm cluless on how to program CNC lathes so far, so my questions are basic.