The desktop lathe on metal - a successful model for the house, garage or small workshop, after all, the functionality of such a device allows you to effectively use it to perform a large list of technological operations. Essentially, it is a miniature copy of the factory model, which differs from it only by a few limited technical capabilities.
Desktop lathe for home workshop
Features and benefits of desktop machines
Міні токарний верстат, which is logical, specially designed for that, that on it products of the small size were processed. As well as on any equipment of turning group, on a small machine you can perform various technological operations on the metal: turning of cylindrical and conical parts, trimming their ends, grinding, drilling, deployment of holes, external and internal threading, etc..
Though, that processing on such units is performed at a much lower speed, than on full-size devices, the quality of the finished products does not suffer at all. Their quality will be especially high in that case, if the mini-lathe is controlled by a CNC system.
Small models of metal lathes, which are very easy to manage, are used not only to equip home workshops, where with their help it is possible to make many products or bring the quality of the finished product to the required level. Small shops are no less successfully equipped with such units, vehicle repair shops. Schools and technical schools have been equipped with such machines since Soviet times, where with their help young people were taught the basics of the profession of a turner.
Among the benefits, which has a small lathe, the most significant are:
- use for power supply of such machine of a household electric network with tension 220 V;
- можливість адаптації подібного пристрою для того, to connect it to a three-phase network;
- low energy consumption;
- reliability, which allows you to successfully operate such a micro-lathe under the condition of proper maintenance for more than ten years;
- affordable price (many can afford to buy such equipment);
- compact size and light weight, that gives the chance to establish such lathe on metal even in the conditions of a close workshop or garage;
- the ability to learn to work on such a device in a short period of time, at the same time operation and maintenance of the machine will not cause special difficulties even at the beginner turner.
Among desktop lathes there is a category of the most compact models, which are called mini-machines. The video below provides an overview of one such portable machine.
Another important advantage of such equipment is that, that it can be additionally equipped with various devices, that gives the chance to use effectively on it tools for performance of milling and difficult drilling of preparations. With the help of such a simple refinement, you already have a desktop lathe, that is, universal equipment, which has a wide range of functionality.
Recommendations for choosing a machine
Any desktop lathe, regardless of the model, can be characterized by several main parameters. These include:
- device weight, which is measured in kilograms;
- power, which is measured in kilowatts;
- speed, expressed by the number of revolutions per unit time, from which rotates its spindle;
- the height of the location of the centers (expressed in millimeters);
- maximum length and diameter of the workpiece (in mm), which can be processed on such a unit;
- number of speeds, which can provide the drive of the device (usually, the table lathe has no more than six such speeds);
- hole diameter, available in the spindle node (measured in millimeters).
One of the representatives of compact desktop machines
Lathes, which belong to the category of small, may have a mass of 40 to 280 kg, in accordance, their overall dimensions also vary. To equip a home workshop, it is recommended to choose devices with a minimum weight: to 50 kg, which are easy to install and can even be transferred, if necessary. Heavier equipment, even if it is a desktop lathe, already belongs to the category of semi-professional.
Power, which is owned by small lathes, usually, does not exceed 2,25 kw. Some types of machines for the house, which belong to the category of low-power, are equipped with a drive, whose power is 0,15 kw. Paying attention to this parameter of the machine, should be determined in advance, for processing of details from what materials and with what dimensions you are going to use it. It is important to do this not only, to first pick up a household machine of the required power, but also not to overpay extra money for the unit, which will not be used to its full potential.
Strict guys, seriously set to save thoroughly, often choose the path of self-manufacturing machine
Even with small dimensions, a lathe for a garage or home workshop does not cease to be a complex technical device, the quality of components which directly affects the accuracy of processing, as well as the reliability and durability of equipment. Of great importance is the quality of assembly of such components, as well as material, from which they are made. The last two parameters are especially important for the following structural elements of the turning unit:
- caliper machine, which is responsible for the reliability and accuracy of the cutting tool, as well as for its movement during processing;
- bed - load-bearing element, on which all knots and mechanisms of the machine are placed and fixed.
Metal, from which these structural elements are made, must be of exceptional strength and have a carefully polished surface. Only if these important conditions are met can we count on it, that your home appliance will last for many years, without losing its original characteristics. When choosing a home lathe for metal work should also take into account the frequency of its use, on which the rate of wear of its constituent elements depends.
In the domestic market table lathes are presented in a wide range of models and brands. It is very easy to get confused in such a variety of options, so to help you make the right choice, consider some models of lathes on metal from the most popular manufacturers.
JET brand machines
Table lathes, which are already over 50 years produced by the Swiss company JET, It is no coincidence that they have gained immense popularity among home builders and owners of small businesses. Even so, that recently some of the components of these machines are made in Chinese factories, their quality remains impeccable. Providing high quality, accuracy and efficiency of processing, these units do not cause problems during operation, they are easy to maintain.
The most popular models of machines of this brand include the following.
BD-3 is a miniature machine, which can be equally successfully used as amateurs, and professionals. The frame of such a device is made of cast iron, which significantly reduces vibrations during its operation. Machine guides, which can be adjusted on a cross support, carefully polished, this ensures the accuracy of movement on them. The equipment is low-power (0,15 kw), but a very productive engine, which reduces energy consumption. The spindle of such a miniature unit can rotate in the range 100-3800 about / min. The manufacturer has even provided the possibility of self-service equipment, for what in a standard set there are additional cutter holder and a three-cam cartridge with working section 50 mm.
JET BD-3 machine, worth from 42 000 rubles
BD-7 - a machine for home or small business, which differs in a number of remarkable design features: massive cast iron frame, which reduces the vibration of the unit, two spindle speed ranges, data about which is displayed on the digital indicator, by the spindle itself, equipped with roller bearings. This machine on metal is very reliable. The rear headstock of this model can be adjusted, which makes it possible to use it for the treatment of conical surfaces. Due to the presence of the reverse mechanism, the workpiece on such a unit can be fed in two directions. On such a device you can cut a thread, since its spindle can rotate in different directions. Compared to the previous model, this machine has more power, it has an electric motor 0,37 kw.
JET BD-7 machine, costs about 80 thousand rubles
BD-8A is a desktop type machine, in which the longitudinal and transverse feeds are automated. The spindle head of such machine is quickly rearranged, it is also equipped with a reversible mechanism, which allows you to use it for threading. Four tools can be installed in the unit holder at the same time, and its zealous center is made on a non-rotating scheme. Three-jaw chuck of the machine with working diameter 100 mm protected by a special screen, which increases the safety of the operator. An electric motor is installed as a drive on this machine, whose power is 0,55 kw.
JET BD-8A machine, price from 170 000 rubles
JET also produces more powerful machines, which are more often bought not for the house, and to equip small workshops. To such equipment, in particular, include BD-9G, BD-920W, BD-11W.
Equipment from other manufacturers
The products of the Czech company PROMA have proved themselves on the domestic market, engaged in the production of such equipment for more than 20 years. Among the variety of lathes and lathes for the home or small businesses, produced by this company, the following devices should be noted.
- The SM-250E is truly a micro-lathe, the mass of which is total 23 kg. With its modest dimensions, such a unit boasts excellent technical characteristics. This machine is best installed at home, if you are going to perform metal turning on an amateur level. What is important, due to the high reliability of its design, such a miniature machine requires virtually no special service throughout the warranty period.
- SK-400 is a universal unit, the mass of which is already 120 kg. This machine, with which you can perform the full range of turning work on metal and drilling workpieces, mainly used to equip vehicle maintenance stations.
- SPA-500 is a semi-professional model of a metal lathe, which can often be found not only in small workshops, but also in the repair shops of industrial enterprises.
PROMA SPA-500, the cost is close 130 000 rubles
Deserved popularity is a number of other models of machines, produced under this brand: SPA-500P, SK-550, SPB-400/400, SPA-700P.
Domestic lathes for metal work are also presented on the modern market, they can often be found in educational, and in home workshops. Using such devices, which are unpretentious in operation and maintenance, you can quickly learn the basics of the turning profession. Among the models of miniature lathes, produced by domestic manufacturers, it is possible to note TV-6, TV-9, TV-16.
in addition, to equip a home workshop or small business, you can pay attention to the lathes of the following manufacturers.
- OPTIMUM is a German trademark, under which lathes are issued, including miniature, well known and appreciated by experts throughout Europe. The most famous models of machines for metal work of this brand, on which it can be installed ??CNC system, is D140x250, D210x400, D250x550.
- Chinese company Weiss Machinery, which produces inexpensive, but qualitative, reliable and functional turning equipment. The most popular models, which are known in many countries around the world, is: WM-180V, WM-250V, WM-250G, WMP-300A, ML-200.
Weiss Machinery ML200 machine, the cost is close 160 000 rubles
CNC desktop machines
Any lathe on metal, controlled by CNC system, able to perform all the same technological operations, as well as the unit with manual control. But such a machine does it much faster and more accurately, and very important, that the correctness of the processing process is not negatively affected by human factors, and this virtually eliminates errors.
Due to the control by means of a computer program on such machines, the tool can be changed quickly, and the accuracy of all technological operations is constantly monitored. Carrying out high-quality processing, such machines work almost independently, minimal human intervention is required to manage them, which best reflects on the quality of work.
Such machines are very effective (including small sizes) is available when performing such technological operations, as marking, engraving, shaped turning, etc.. Naturally, the appropriate tool must be installed on the machine to perform all operations.
The most popular models of metal lathes, equipped with CNC systems, which are presented on the domestic market, there are devices, manufactured under the trademark OPTIMUM: D210x400, D240x500G, TU2506, as well as JET products: BD-8CNC et al.
OPTIMUM D210x400 machine, the price in the minimum complete set without ChPU - from 92 000 rubles
In particular, OPTIMUM brand products have the following advantages:
- you can urgently turn off the machine with a special button;
- processing accuracy is high, as provided by the intelligent CNC system;
- machine guides, which have a prismatic shape, made of cast iron, subjected to hardening and carefully polished;
- to make the frame of the device even stronger, it is subjected to natural aging, which lasts six months;
- on machines of this trade mark it is possible to cut a carving of any type;
- electric motor, which is installed on OPTIMUM machines, are not serviced.
The formation of control commands on such machines is provided by a special computer program NC Drive. This program, which is a universal tool, which allows you to control other options for the machine, as a change of cutting tool, processing cycles, moving the axes of the equipment, moving the cutting tool relative to the workpiece: linear, circular, in a spiral.
JEM CNC systems are used on JET machines 802, which are also very effective. They provide high accuracy and quality of execution of technological operations on metal.