So I've build a CNC router from scratch, my design and it's very accurate, out of aluminum. But I have very little ideas on lathes.
I want to convert a mini lathe from harbor freight, Wholesale Tool or a more expensive one from Grizzly http://www.grizzly.com/products/10-x...al-Lathe/G0602
First question is converting to CNC is the more expensive grizzly worth getting?
Second are the screws on a lathe more often antibacklash? or do I have to upgarde them as I would a mini mill with ballscrews? or what other options are there?
How do I find and where do you usually have the starting on a piece in the lathe. Meaning once I make it CNC and want to machine a regular part how do I find the point I want to start. With CNC Router my material is let's say 5" x 5", I design the part in Rhino and make the material 5" x 5" and the corner is the starting point. Then I bolt the piece in the CNC router and use a laser center finder to find the corner zero out my axis and set the z. Then I press go. So I'm wondering if I put a round rod in the lathe where do I start and how to find the edge of the workpiece? or do you start from the center of the rod?
Thanks for the help. I assume most of conversion will be easy for a lathe if I've already built an aluminum CNC router.