Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Are you using 5” dia steel bar stock cut to length?
I would be looking for a regular sized 10" chuck 12-16" swing engine lathe gap bed or not is up to you.
If you are planning on using a form tool to cut the groove for the track I wouldn't bother with anything smaller you'll most likely have chatter issues.
IME the bigger the machine, the more versatile (notice didn't say the bigger the better). 5" is not big, but it isn't small either. Smaller lathes are actually precision lathes, bigger lathes are.....bigger. With size comes power, so if you need some real torque you need a bigger machine.
@OP is the real question; What is the smallest lathe I can get away with??
I like that size too but would go for an 8" six-jaw chuck. Make sure it has removable top jaws and can be trued up like a Buck.I agree with Hazzert in general 10" Chuck with 15" swing would be ideal.
How many do you wish to produce ?
And in what time frame ?
I will want to make dozens of them. No certain time frame.
I have them drawn up in solidworks. I could just do them in on the cnc lathe at work.... but what fun is that?
Ed
I will want to make dozens of them. No certain time frame.
I have them drawn up in solidworks. I could just do them in on the cnc lathe at work.... but what fun is that?
Ed
Notice
This website or its third-party tools process personal data (e.g. browsing data or IP addresses) and use cookies or other identifiers, which are necessary for its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the cookie policy. To learn more, please refer to the cookie policy. In case of sale of your personal information, you may opt out by sending us an email via our Contact Us page. To find out more about the categories of personal information collected and the purposes for which such information will be used, please refer to our privacy policy. You accept the use of cookies or other identifiers by closing or dismissing this notice, by scrolling this page, by clicking a link or button or by continuing to browse otherwise.