I think it's time to buy a CNC lathe. I have a CNC mill (Trak FHM7) and an engine lathe currently. We make custom ground support equipment, fixtures, and lifting hardware. Almost all turned stuff gets farmed out. The quality and price are good, but it's a hassle to not just be able to make something when I need it, and it decreases my ability to try out new things and iterate. I will probably never make more than 10 of something at a time, usually just one.
What I want:
Easy to use
Parts available (i.e. not a boat anchor if something breaks)
Tailstock
2" + bore
16"+ turning length
Things I'm not picky on:
speed. This isn't going to be running flat out production work. I'll spend more time programming and futzing with it then it'll actually spend in the cut.
Control. I'm not hugely familiar with any of them, except the Prototrak. I'm not a huge fan of the prototrak control, but I'm told the newest version is better (it'll actually store a tool table).
Given my low duty cycle, a used machine would be nice if I can find one that's a good fit. The flat bed lathes give you a lot more size for the footprint/cost, but don't usually have a toolchanger. On the mill, lack of toolchanger is a pain, but on the lathe, one tool accomplishes a lot more.
New options:
These pencil out to $45k-$55k:
Haas TL2: Pros: everyone knows the Haas control, I can get a 3.5" spindle bore (3" through the chuck).
Trak 1630
Romi C420
Smart SL20L: Pros: good price, turning center as opposed to flat bed. Cons: Not as well known a brand.
Doosan Lynx 2100LB: Pros: very good machine. Cons: quite a bit more expensive $72k
Used options:
I'm not seeing a great selection of used lathes that meet my requirements. Most stuff seems to be either smaller bore and without a tailstock.
I've seen a few Okumas, especially the Okuma Cadet LNC-8, that look interesting.
A few questions on used stuff:
1) What generation of Okuma controls should I be looking at? Most seem to be either 700 or 5020.
2) Are the Bridgeport/Romi EZ PATH's still repairable? I know they're old, but everyone I know who had one liked it.
3) Looking at ebay pricing, lathes seem to have much less depreciation than mills. Is everyone just listing prices high, or do lathes really depreciate less?
4) How old is too old? Most of the used equipment seems to be 15-25 years old.
5) How are the Nardini Fast-trace lathes? It's older (1996 with a Fanuc 20T) but looks to be in good shape.
Thanks,
Daniel
What I want:
Easy to use
Parts available (i.e. not a boat anchor if something breaks)
Tailstock
2" + bore
16"+ turning length
Things I'm not picky on:
speed. This isn't going to be running flat out production work. I'll spend more time programming and futzing with it then it'll actually spend in the cut.
Control. I'm not hugely familiar with any of them, except the Prototrak. I'm not a huge fan of the prototrak control, but I'm told the newest version is better (it'll actually store a tool table).
Given my low duty cycle, a used machine would be nice if I can find one that's a good fit. The flat bed lathes give you a lot more size for the footprint/cost, but don't usually have a toolchanger. On the mill, lack of toolchanger is a pain, but on the lathe, one tool accomplishes a lot more.
New options:
These pencil out to $45k-$55k:
Haas TL2: Pros: everyone knows the Haas control, I can get a 3.5" spindle bore (3" through the chuck).
Trak 1630
Romi C420
Smart SL20L: Pros: good price, turning center as opposed to flat bed. Cons: Not as well known a brand.
Doosan Lynx 2100LB: Pros: very good machine. Cons: quite a bit more expensive $72k
Used options:
I'm not seeing a great selection of used lathes that meet my requirements. Most stuff seems to be either smaller bore and without a tailstock.
I've seen a few Okumas, especially the Okuma Cadet LNC-8, that look interesting.
A few questions on used stuff:
1) What generation of Okuma controls should I be looking at? Most seem to be either 700 or 5020.
2) Are the Bridgeport/Romi EZ PATH's still repairable? I know they're old, but everyone I know who had one liked it.
3) Looking at ebay pricing, lathes seem to have much less depreciation than mills. Is everyone just listing prices high, or do lathes really depreciate less?
4) How old is too old? Most of the used equipment seems to be 15-25 years old.
5) How are the Nardini Fast-trace lathes? It's older (1996 with a Fanuc 20T) but looks to be in good shape.
Thanks,
Daniel