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Metal workers, how do I do this?

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Trimoor:
Am I right in assuming that "cnc" means the lathe would be computer controlled?
How much would one of those cost?
Could I build the computer interface myself?

Snarbald:

--- Quote from: Trimoor on October 09, 2004, 07:38:14 pm ---Am I right in assuming that "cnc" means the lathe would be computer controlled?
How much would one of those cost?
Could I build the computer interface myself?

--- End quote ---

I'll be blunt for your own good. The cost for anything cnc is "a lot." When I was in highschool... just the box that controlled the cnc mill cost over $25000 and that was only for xy feeds and that did not include the cost of the mill itself or any of the other motors/tools/parts that it took to get it working.

danny_galaga:

--- Quote from: Trimoor on October 09, 2004, 07:38:14 pm ---Am I right in assuming that "cnc" means the lathe would be computer controlled?
How much would one of those cost?
Could I build the computer interface myself?

--- End quote ---

you can buy them complete for a lot less nowadays, but unless you are very wealthy it's not the sort of thing you'd buy for the odd job around the house. again, if you've spotted a bargain old-fashioned lathe (say $500 or less) then i'd say go for it. watch for worn bearings, some of the really old ones had bronze bearings and ironically  you will need someone with a lathe to make new ones!! (unless the parts are still available of course).

if you have a design that is unique and you want it machined them you can shop around at engineering shops to do it for you. can be expensive because they like to do minimum quantities, but you will find places that are happy to do one or two...

exibar:
CNC machine lathes can run anywhere from $3000 for a small, mini-lathe upwards to tens of thousands of dollars.

  Check out www.grizzley.com www.harborfreight.com www.msc.com

  Do a google on cnc lathe or cnc mill and you'll find lots of wonderful sites.  I have a mini-mill that I use for R/C parts, gun parts and some brackets and stuff.  I also have many years of experience under my belt using machinery like that, it's not hard to learn, but it takes years to master and I'm far far away from mastery....

  But, what you want to do is doable on a "regular" mini-lathe that Grizzley sells.  If you take your time, you can even re-produce your joystick handles time and time again.  Without having a CNC setup.  I highly recommend digital Read Out's though... with that you'll be able to record exact measurements and follow them to the letter by hand, taking it slowly...

  Mike B

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