CNC Turning Lathe

Re: CNC Turning Lathe

Fred in NC

>I don't know of a CNC lathe that can cut flutes as well. I believe there are "machining centers" that could do that. Now we are talking very high dollars.

A Legacy mill can cut profiles around a workpiece and cut flutes, usually guided by a flat pattern. A CNC version of this would be a CNC VERTICAL MILL WITH 4th AXIS (keywords for a google search!). The 4th axis consists of a computer controlled rotary table mounted vertically on the mill's table, and a tailstock.

Most of these machines are retrofits.

It is my impression that for most uses, CNC is not needed. Lathe duplicators can accomplish much of this work. I would suggest you contact Beall Tool and Legacy about your requirements. If their machines can do what you need, you will save a lot of money.

The wizard of OZ *LINK*

Fred in NC

>Not quite! But this rather inexpensive jig will cut flutes and do some milling.

Actually I am very interested in CNC for reasons other than artistic turning. I have been looking at the possibilities for the last 2 years. Looks like I will be taking some classes at the local community college for CNC and CAD-CAM. And it is in my plans to retrofit a vertical mill with 3th axis.


http://www.bealltool.com/lathewiz.htm