Thinking about a small second operation lathe

[Michael G]

How nice to have access to the forum again - all those things I couldn't ask...

However, here's an opportunity to help me spend money. I have some jobs coming up that look like they could be repetitive and long running, so I was thinking how to set things up to make them more quickly. Too late I remembered seeing a small capstan lathe that probably would have been ideal for the job but that's what happens sometimes. :(( The price was about right too.:((:((
I haven't got space in my shed for a large capstan lathe so something benchtop size is the ticket. I don't have a large quantity to turn - that is, batch size is 5 to 10 at a go (so no bar feed is necessary) but enough that setting up on my current lathe would be annoying. However, I do need to be able to fit 1" stock in the spindle (I spotted an ad for a bench top Schuablin 70 set up as a capstan - it might have even been unusual enough to entice Bob to visit - but they only take 1/2" I think).

For those asking why capstan, I'm making the equivalent of cupboard door knobs so they need to be centre drilled, drilled and tapped to start with. The side operations are minor. CNC is out because I like my machines to be solid and a CNC conversion on a mini lathe would be expensive, time consuming and I'd still be machining with a flexible bit of recycled engine block at the end of it. An old auto lathe would be interesting but the quantity of cams and tooling would drive me around the twist.

So, if anyone has heard of a brand in around the right size, knows of something that might suit or has other other ideas, I'd like to hear them.

Michael

[KBs PensNmore]

Hi Michael, was at a place last week, that had something similar to what you are looking for, I think it was an AMTA or similar. It's quite old, as it has a flat belt drive on it. Will get some photos tomorrow, if interested as well as price. It's in Murray Bridge.
Regards
Kryn

[PDW]

I know someone who has 2 small ones, he's in NW Victoria. Either would fit into a 6x4 box trailer without dramas.

Not sure how much tooling he has and with capstan/turret lathes even more than 'engine' lathes, tooling is bloody important.

Email me if you're interested and I'll give him a ring, I owe him a call anyway.

PDW

[.RC.]

Hardinge DV59 would be the go for sure... Just have to find one...

[Anorak Bob]

Michael,

I have Peter's tailstock turret loitering in the cupboard. I'm sure Peter wouldn't mind if I forwarded it to you if it was of any use. 6 position with a 2 Morse arbor. The holes would probably need reboring to suit the CVA. It might be a simple solution for a repetitive task.

Bruce "Abratool" has his Hercus capstan attachment permanently mounted on his 260 and has been able to contend with the turret's horizontal rotation. I have never used mine for any real work but when I've fooled around with it, the limitations to tool swing were enough for me to lose interest. If you do consider a capstan lathe, steer towards one with an inclined turret such as that produced by Hardinge or Schaublin. And I would love a little 70. Tooled of course, just like this .........

346428:D




BT

[snapatap]

I had a look in my Alfred Herbert catalog and their no. 1 capstan lathe as 1" capacity. never seen one for sale though. I've been looking for one with about 1.5-2" bore but haven't found much. Too far, too dear or don't have time to pick it up:~. I let you know if i find anything.

[Michael G]

Back again. Having all sorts of problems with the squirrels - ISP is looking to it but from the discussions on the home page it's not just me.

Anyway, I've been offered a kit of Hercus capstan bits. I need to work out what is there and what is missing (and then find a Hercus to put it on.)
It might do the job, but I'll have to see.
A tail stock arrangement may do the job but as I want to do more than just drill it may not be sturdy enough.
More adventures with bits of metal to come...
Michael