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IndustryArena Forum > MetalWorking Machines > Benchtop Machines > Mini Lathe > CNC "KIT" for 8x12 8x14 mini lathe - or cheap/small CNC lathe?
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Posts
    4

    CNC "KIT" for 8x12 8x14 mini lathe - or cheap/small CNC lathe?

    Is there a complete, near complete, or "easy" setup CNC kit available for a HF 8x12 mini lathe?

    Or, would I be better off pursuing something like this: http://www.microkinetics.com/cnclathe.htm

    I would be turning complex curves in aluminum approx 3" diameter

    Thanks in advance for any help you can offer me

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    2415
    If you go with Microkinetics you better love their software because they use their proprietary control card and you have to use their software controller. The experience I had with their products several years ago left me with a pretty negative impression of their software and that opinion is supported by others.

    MACH3 has a lathe controller. The CAM software for lathe is a little more difficult to find but Dolphin Software has a lathe package.

    I suggested you get other opinions on the solution and find other guys that have done retrofits on a import lathe.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Posts
    4
    At first I was looking into DIY CNC options for a Harbor Freight 8x12 (8x14) mini lathe, but then I started finding these CNC mini-lathes. I've found some others besides the microkinecs since I would prefer non-proprietary software if possible:

    http://www.microkinetics.com/btlathe.htm and here http://www.microkinetics.com/cncsys.htm
    http://www.maxnc.com/
    http://www.flashcutcnc.com/html/mach_4400.html
    http://www.minitech.com/hardware/lat...thes_index.htm

    Are there mini CNC Mill/Lathe combos where the lathe is actually a lathe? I see 4-axis machines such as this one http://www.microkinetics.com/4axis.htm but it doesn't look like the lower portion would work as a lathe - like it only rotates the piece for the mill.

    How would I get 3" bar stock into one of these small lathes? Would I need to buy aluminum precut and tapped, or is there a chuck for lathes this small to get?

  4. #4
    I don't think there is any way that machine will turn a 3" dia, it's way too small. It would chatter itself apart I would think.

    LAter,
    Tim

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    2502
    Quote Originally Posted by Tim Wiltse View Post
    I don't think there is any way that machine will turn a 3" dia, it's way too small. It would chatter itself apart I would think.

    LAter,
    Tim
    Au contrare.

    I have no problem at all with 3" steel stock in my 9x30, which is just a longer bed than the 8x14's. Aluminum and brass are even easier. I've machined up to a 6" diameter cast iron blank. The latter had some chatter, but largely because I had to hold it with a spigot consisting of a bolt through the blank held in the 3-jaw chuck. Once I got through the crust and a little bit of diameter it was no problem turning it to make a backplate for a 5" 6-jaw chuck.

    Technique matters on these lathes, because they can chatter if not set up right. Parting off is one of the most touchy operations, followed closely by boring.

    Nevertheless, it can all be made to work quite well.

    With that said, if you have the room and $$$ for a 12x30-36 class lathe, they will be a lot more rigid.

    Best,

    BW

  6. #6
    Bob,

    I was talking about not being able to turn a 3" part on that little MicroKinetics machine he posted the link to.

    Later,
    Tim

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    750
    Definately gonna need a bigger machine for that size part, especially if its steel or aluminum, or any metal actually. The 9X20 might handle it, or the lathemaster 20 inch, but I would look at a full size machine if you can afford it. CNC coversion is not difficult on a lathe, at least not as complicated as a mill.
    Halfnutz

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Posts
    4
    Thanks for the info. Is it possible to get a CNC lathe that will do what I'm trying to do in my price range? My budget is really around $2k, but if it's not much more maybe I can work something out.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Posts
    1187
    look for some companies doing the cnc kits for the mini mill(x2) and you,ll probably find one that offers a kit for that lathe.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    203
    Ron Steele in Portland, OR has a kit. http://www.stirlingsteele.com/latheplans.html

    He is also very good with support. His products are top notch.
    Direction, Commitment, Follow Through

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Posts
    1778
    Ron Steele's plans are for the 7x series. The 8x14 lathe is considerably larger and heavier. I wouldn't count on the plans working without modification.

    Alan

  12. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by acondit View Post
    Ron Steele's plans are for the 7x series. The 8x14 lathe is considerably larger and heavier. I wouldn't count on the plans working without modification.

    Alan
    Yeah, I emailed him and he said they most likely wouldn't work. I have the opportunity to buy a used one and would like to get it. Does anybody know of plans to convert the 8X to CNC? If not, any ideas one what would have to be modified for Ron Steele's plans to work? Thanks.

    Gray
    My advice is worth less then you paid for it.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Posts
    9
    Tinkering,

    I'm starting a CNC conversion for the 8x14 Lathe...

    I bought the lathe from Lathemaster (super support) specifically to make a CNC lathe. The 8x14 has a very rigid design for its size. HF has the lathes at a lower price...but Lathemaster has superb support plus lots of needed toolong all in one package.

    Anyway, I'm going with ground ballscrews and 250+ oz/in steppers. I'm just now disassembling the lathe to measure up everything. Then I'll do a conversion design with Alibre.

    It would be great to start a project thread on 8x14 lathe conversion(s)...

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Posts
    318
    I have a small 7x12 converted to CNC that i'm selling for $2500
    It comes with Gecko drives
    425 oz/in Nema 23 steppers
    Campbell breakout board
    Spindle Speed Sensor for turning threads
    400 watt Varible speed motor 0-2500 rpm
    AXA Wedge Style Quick Change tool Post with holders
    3" 3 jaw chuck
    5" 3 jaw chuck
    5" 4 jaw chuck

    Donny

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Posts
    289

    8x12 conversion thread

    A conversion thread for the 8x14 would be great! I will be starting on a conversion very soon so it would be great to see some more information here on the process, etc....

    Good luck with your project and please post any information you can offer!


    Quote Originally Posted by patmul View Post
    Tinkering,

    I'm starting a CNC conversion for the 8x14 Lathe...

    I bought the lathe from Lathemaster (super support) specifically to make a CNC lathe. The 8x14 has a very rigid design for its size. HF has the lathes at a lower price...but Lathemaster has superb support plus lots of needed toolong all in one package.

    Anyway, I'm going with ground ballscrews and 250+ oz/in steppers. I'm just now disassembling the lathe to measure up everything. Then I'll do a conversion design with Alibre.

    It would be great to start a project thread on 8x14 lathe conversion(s)...

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    616
    Seriously? You pull up a 4 year old thread to post that? :bs:

    This is a MINI LATHE forum. There's nothing mini related in on that site.
    <a href="http://www.cnczone.com/forums/mini-lathe/82871-7-x-10-project-started.html" target="_blank">7X10 Lathe conversion</a>
    <a href="http://www.cnczone.com/forums/open-source-cnc-machine-designs/335846-cnc.html" target="_blank">Custom X-Carve router</a>
    <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tooldesign" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>

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