After initially considering building a CNC lathe, from scratch, I decided that retrofitting an existing lathe would be a more cost effective solution. Having always admired Hardinge precision lathes, I decided that one of their 11” models would be perfect. I mainly do model engineering so I didn’t want a really big lathe but I wanted one that could produce precision work. After a bit of research it came down to either a HLV-H or TFB. Neither of these are cheap to buy but the TFB is less desirable due to the lack of screw cutting gearbox. This isn’t a problem for me as this feature will be replaced by CNC operation anyway.

After a lot of searching, I finally picked up a reasonable deal for a somewhat neglected TFB from ebay.





First job will be to strip it all down, get the ways reground, replace the headstock bearings, clean it up and paint it. All the electrics are going to be discarded and I will probably try and sell them on eBay.

My current plans are:

1) Replace the 1.5 hp two speed motor with a 3hp inverter duty motor
run off a Hitachi VFD. I want the bigger motor for increased torque
so I can reduce the bottom speed below 125rpm.

2) Add precision ground ballscrews

3) Add bellows to cover the main ways and some form of shielding of
the lead screw.

4) DC or AC servos probably with Rutex controllers.

5) Interface spindle speed control and coolant to Mach3.

6) Build an automated tool indexer

I’ll keep you posted of further developments.