Hey guys. Going to be adding a small gang tool lathe to the shop soon and really need to be able to get a bar feeder or bar support and I had some questions and I'm hoping on getting some suggestions. Budget is tight so I am looking at either buying used or building my own. I just need to be able to run 6' long pieces between 1/4" and 3/4" (For reference I am planning on picking up some kind of GT-27 type tool like an Omniturn or a SNK Prodigy).
Buying Used:
Can any bar feeder be fitted to any lathe? I imagine most just use an M-code and a some kind of switch on the bar feeder.
What would be a good used style of bar feeder to go with?
Building my own:
I have seen some guys talk about mounting a pipe to their machine, lining it with PVC and using a bar puller but I can't find any examples of this. Does anyone know where I can find any info on that? I am fine just using a bar puller so this option seems like the most economical.
Any other thoughts or suggestions are highly appreciated. Thanks guys!
Buying Used:
Can any bar feeder be fitted to any lathe? I imagine most just use an M-code and a some kind of switch on the bar feeder.
What would be a good used style of bar feeder to go with?
Building my own:
I have seen some guys talk about mounting a pipe to their machine, lining it with PVC and using a bar puller but I can't find any examples of this. Does anyone know where I can find any info on that? I am fine just using a bar puller so this option seems like the most economical.
Any other thoughts or suggestions are highly appreciated. Thanks guys!