Lathes are designed for processing workpieces made of metal, wood and other materials. With their help, you can independently produce products with very high accuracy and save significant money. Lathes are large (for industrial enterprises), and small sizes (mini-machines). Depending on the nature of the work performed, one or another machine is selected.

Lathes for industrial enterprises have great functionality, many different additional attachments. On such machines it is possible to work with preparations of the big sizes. Mini lathes are designed for private use, for small workshops or for the home, most often they have a desktop version. It will not be possible to work with large-sized workpieces on such machines, but they will fit perfectly for turning work for the home.

TOP 10 best lathes

10 "Proma" DSO-1000 series

The easiest
Country: Czech Republic
Average price: 13,500 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

Proma is a Czech company, but the machines are assembled in China. The power of the equipment is 400 watts. On the machine, you can work with parts whose dimensions are from 35 to 100 cm. The unit is powered by an alternating current of 220 V. Thanks to this, the machine is perfect for home, garage. The speed range is from 850 to 1250 rpm, there are 4 speeds. The machine weighs nothing - 35 kg. Due to its small size and weight, it is very easy to store and transport. The disadvantage of the model is not a very extensive network of service centers (there are corresponding workshops in Moscow and St. Petersburg), as well as the fact that it can only work with soft metals.

9 JET JWL-1220 series

Comfortable work
Country: Switzerland
Average price: 32,800 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

This is a more powerful machine than the Czech counterpart. The power of the unit is 770 watts. The machine is not too cheap, but the relatively high price for machines of a compact class is more than offset by the convenience and comfort of work, rich equipment, and a larger network of service centers. It can process parts up to 30.5 cm in size. This is a compact desktop machine designed for processing small wood blanks. Great for turning at home. The powerful cast iron bed gives the machine stability and dampens vibrations.

8 Corvette 400 series

Great versatility
Country Russia
Average price: 22,500 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

The model is best suited for home use. This is a universal unit that can work with materials such as metal, wood, plastics. It can perform the following types of work: turning, facing. The machine is powered by a 220 V network, and its power is 400 watts. It has very limited capabilities in terms of the dimensions of the machined parts - only up to 18 cm. However, the low price, Russian production and the availability of service centers and spare parts in Russia make the purchase of such a machine quite attractive. This option is a great purchase for a turner working at home.

7 TV-9 produced by "Rustan"

Multifunctionality
Country Russia
Average price: 478,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Another representative of Russia in the ranking. It features high power (1 kW and above) and wide possibilities for processing parts. Three-phase electric motor, powered by 380 V AC. The machine can perform the entire range of turning operations due to the presence of centers, a chuck, a collet. The disadvantages, in turn, are a fairly large mass - about 230 kg and high cost. The model has a very high build quality, reliability of components and parts, and is distinguished by high precision surface treatment. The machine has a desktop version. Equipped with a lamp for better visual perception of the work being done.

6 Stalex SBL-280/700

Best Power
Country Russia
Average price: 195,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The machine is made in China. It has a large weight and dimensions: machine weight - 190 kg, length - 140 cm, width - 55 cm, height - 50 cm. Power - 1.5 kW. This is one of the most powerful machines that are discussed in this review. The engine is durable. On the machine, you can perform the following types of work: turning workpieces, threading, drilling holes. Spindle speed - 50-1800 rpm. Through hole in the spindle - 38 mm. There is an electronic indication of the spindle speed. The machine has a modern design. Heavy cast iron bed minimizes vibration and adds comfort to work. The model has a rich package.

5 Stalex SBL-250/550

Modern design
Country Russia
Average price: 142,500 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Model of the Russian brand Stalex. It has dimensions: 1100x590x500, machine weight - 120 kg, power - 1.1 kW. The motor is single-phase, asynchronous. Spindle speed - from 50 to 2000 rpm. The spindle speed control is stepless. There is an electronic indicator that displays the spindle speed. The scope of delivery includes a set of jaws for a lathe chuck. Various lengths of workpieces can be fitted thanks to the 7 cm tailstock quill travel. Very user-friendly controls and the modern design of the machine are additional advantages.

4 Zenitech MD 250-550 VARIO

Large margin of safety
Country Ukraine
Average price: 134,900 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

This model has small dimensions, due to which it is widely used in small workshops, workshops. The machine meets all the high quality standards that a tool developed in Europe must meet. The materials from which it is made have a high margin of safety, designed for operation in harsh conditions, for long-term operation with minimal wear. The motor power is 0.75 kW. Rotation frequency - 50-2500 rpm. The machine can work with workpieces of large sizes and weights. There is a function of automatic operation of the cutter after preliminary manual adjustment.

3 FDB Maschinen Turner 320X1000S

High processing precision
Country: Germany
Average price: 266,600 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The model is great for organizations that are engaged in metal processing. The machine is equipped with a three-phase motor with a power of 1.1 kW. The weight of the unit is 650 kg, it is quite large and bulky. Large weight and massiveness, on the one hand, is a disadvantage, but on the other hand, it is a guarantee of high precision surface treatment, because the machine is not subject to oscillations and vibrations. A very useful option is also the ability to copy parts in mass production. Another advantage of the unit is the low rejection rate. It is possible to process parts of complex geometric shapes.

2 METALMASTER MML 1830V

Best motor overload protection
Country Russia
Average price: 65,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Metalmaster is a joint Russian-German group of companies that manufactures machine tools for various purposes in Poland, Russia, and China. This is a modification of the previous version of the machine. Its dimensions: 830x395x355, weight - 65 kg. The DC commutator motor has a power of 0.6 kW, there are 2 ranges of stepless control. The spindle speed of 150-2500 rpm is implemented using two speeds. The maximum processing diameter is 180 mm. The main advantage of the machine is metal gears and a V-belt, which protect the engine from overheating when the spindle is under increased load. It should also be noted a fairly rich set of delivery.

1 JET BD-920

High build quality and better fine detail work
Country: Switzerland
Average price: 120,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

This model has a caliper backlash of only 0.1 mm - this is one of its main advantages. The nut is fixed very tightly, without gaps, which is a big plus when working with small workpieces and soft metal. On this machine, you can perform a wide range of work: turning, boring, threading, end processing and much more. The engine has a power of 0.97 kW, power consumption - 550 watts. The kit comes with a cam faceplate, a three-jaw chuck. The model has the option of automatic feed of the longitudinal support. There is a spindle rotation reversal.

Criterion	Options	Description
	100 – 500
	300 – 2032
	0 – 3000
	20 – 80
power, kWt	Up to 1
	From 1.5 to 6
	Over 7
	Single phase (220-240)	Amateur machines
	Three-phase (380-400)	Professional machines
Weight, tn
	Lungs - up to 0.5
	Medium - up to 4
	Large - up to 15
	Heavy - up to 400

amateur equipment

Industrial equipment

My choice

JET GH-2040 ZH DRO RFS

KRATON MML-01

Poll Options are limited because JavaScript is disabled in your browser.

Never serviced - everything still runs and works "like clockwork" 42%, 43 vote

Thanks a lot for the article. * 33%, 34 vote

After a scheduled repair, since I have taken it apart, you can throw lubricants 18%, 19 votes

I disassemble, lubricate, clean regularly, after each object 7%, 7 votes

07.05.2018

I hope that the article was useful for you. Thank you for your attention, ask questions, share your experience in the comments.

(1 ratings, average: 4,00 out of 5)

10 screw-cutting lathes - choose the best equipment for hobby, business and large-scale production

Having at your disposal a screw-turning machine (hereinafter referred to as TVS), you can perform smooth or shaped turning of the workpiece; drill or bore a straight or tapered hole; turn the ends and cut the thread. It is possible to process parts with acceptable accuracy even on inexpensive models.

It is not necessary to have a full-fledged specialized education in order to independently work on such equipment. Of paramount importance is your own practical experience. Of course, the theory is important, but here it is even easier - you can study the device of the machine and get acquainted with the main features of its work without leaving your home.

Please note that the term "universal", found in the technical documentation of fuel assemblies, means working with metals and plastics. Under no circumstances can wood be sharpened on a metalworking machine. For such tasks there is specialized equipment. The mechanisms of which are not afraid of wood dust, which is detrimental to lubricants used in metal processing.

My article will help you understand the distinctive features of TVS models, and make an informed choice, taking into account certain needs and opportunities.
I'll start by presenting the most important characteristics that you should pay attention to. I present them in a table:

Table of main selection criteria

Criterion	Options	Description
The maximum diameter of the processed workpiece over the bed, mm	100 – 500	The specified range is valid for typical machines. Once upon a time, GOST regulated the production and certification of equipment for processing workpieces with a diameter of up to 6300 mm, today this is not the limit. This value indicates the allowable diameter of the part rotating on the axis of the spindle and tailstock
The largest distance between centers, mm	300 – 2032	Characterizes the maximum length of the processed part of the workpiece
Spindle speed, rpm	0 – 3000	By changing this value within the tolerance for a specific workpiece (taking into account the structural characteristics of the material, dimensions and degree of processing), you can get the desired result with minimal working time. As the spindle speed increases, the accuracy of the machined surface increases.
Spindle through hole diameter, mm	20 – 80	The through hole of the headstock spindle allows the processing of workpieces whose length exceeds the actual distance between centers. Determines the maximum allowable diameter of the long length being turned
power, kWt	Up to 1	Amateur "hobby" equipment. For small volumes, minimum loads are assumed
	From 1.5 to 6	Machine tools for small businesses, repair and creative workshops
	Over 7	It is advisable to install in experimental and production workshops at large enterprises.
AC supply network, V	Single phase (220-240)	Amateur machines
	Three-phase (380-400)	Professional machines
Weight, tn
	Lungs - up to 0.5	Allows you to work with workpieces with a diameter of 100 - 200 mm
	Medium - up to 4	A number of the largest diameters of the workpiece is in the range of 250 - 500 mm
	Large - up to 15	Can process parts 630 - 1250 mm in diameter
	Heavy - up to 400	Handles the largest options in the largest diameter range

As for the weight of the machine. There is a dependence of the weight of the unit on its "professionalism". There is a conditional pattern between the mass of the machine and the maximum diameter of the workpiece being processed.

Please note: factors that directly indicate the purpose of the equipment are deliberately placed in the last places of the table. Look for TVS based on the actual level of tasks assigned - hobby, small business or industrial enterprise. So you can choose the most functional and cost-effective model of the machine.

amateur equipment

Processing parts on TVS for amateur needs is impossible when you have 1-2 cutters at your disposal. Creative work will be unpredictably delayed if you have to look for belts, gears or shafts on your own. Maintainability and equipment are the main points that deserve the attention of the user of entry-level turning equipment.

1. Caliber STMN-550/350 - from 41,000 rubles.

Lightweight and compact entry-level machine allows you to perform the full range of work of "adult" models. Assembly and adjustment in accordance with the instructions guarantee the accuracy of work. Preliminary preparation of the workpiece, chip removal no more than 0.2 mm in one pass, maintenance every 50 hours of operation has a positive effect on the condition of the equipment. Up to the fact that the working resource may exceed the manufacturer's declared 3 years. Personal "crash test" with an increase in load in excess of the recommended, led to the shutdown of the engine. So the electronic protection system prevents excessive wear of the plastic gears and burnout of the motor windings.

2. Kraton MML-01 - from 52,169 rubles.

Another variation of a fascinating designer on the theme of TVS of Russian-Chinese production. The machine gained fame due to the collection of cutters, a set of gears for adjusting the auto-feed of the caliper and maintainability. As the equipment is assembled, it is necessary to remove the preservative composition from the parts. Follow the recommended lubrication intervals and periodically check the position of the drive components. Before the first start under load, it makes sense to disassemble the headstock housing and securely tighten the screw for fastening the fork, which changes the position of the input shaft gears. This simple operation will save you from serious consequences caused by small things getting out of the way into the vents of a working mechanism. The jamb of this TVS is plastic gears that break during careless operation. The problem is solved by replacing with cast iron.

Here is a video - a review of the owner of this device after a month of operation. The author shared useful minor improvements:

3. Corvette 402 - from 77,529 rubles.

Despite some similarity in performance characteristics, the Voronezh Enkor stands out from other light fuel assemblies made in China. What is honestly reported to the user on the first page of the instructions. Among other differences, I note an elongated base and high-quality components. Due to this, the recommended chip removal depth is 0.2 mm, the maximum is 0.3 mm. Not a single machine, among the closest analogues, has such an opportunity. The increased dimensions of the working area and the real 0.75 kW single-phase motor fully cover the needs of the home master. The heavy weight reduces vibration and increases the stability of the benchtop machine.

Here is an overview of this machine. The performance characteristics of the unit are given, its functionality is demonstrated:

Small business equipment

The choice of fuel assemblies for a production or repair business project is always carried out taking into account the inevitable modernization for the same type of tasks. There are no problems with precision processing in this category of equipment. Wear resistance is also up to the mark. But some manufacturers rely on the universal potential, others on the dimensions of the working area of ​​the machine. Highlight your main tasks and look for a machine to implement them. Then the acquisition of a new TVS will not affect the profitability of the business.

4. Proma SKF-800 - from 272,365 rubles.

The combination of milling and screw-cutting devices within one lathe turned out to be one of the best solutions of the Czech Proma SKF-800. The rotary drilling unit and the impressive diameter of the hole in the spindle allow you to work with fairly large parts. 2 identical three-phase motors guarantee sufficient torque on each device. A worthy option for those who plan to engage in professional activities in a small workshop. The only design flaw is the lack of tight contact between the protective panels and the frame. Because of this, chips and lubricants can cause rapid wear of the drive mechanisms. The manufacturer recommends completely cleaning and lubricating exposed parts twice a day. I advise you to check the tension of the belts during each technological break.

Video from the manufacturer Proma, the video shows the performance characteristics and discloses the functionality of the machine:

5. MetalMaster X32100 - from 284,970 rubles.

Thread indicator, digital indication device, longitudinal and transverse automatic feed system; coolant supply - the machine from MetalMaster simplifies the process of metal processing without loss of quality. Often, professionals compare the functionality of this machine with Soviet equipment of a similar profile. I consider such analogies to be incorrect - apart from a certain set of functions, nothing connects them.

• X32100 removes 3 mm chips in one pass
• Discrete carriage travel in any direction - 0.001 mm
• MetalMaster provides an opportunity to reduce equipment costs by 12% by eliminating the digital display device (12% of the cost).

With such a ratio of potential, compact dimensions, ergonomic operation and 1 year of official warranty, this machine has no competitors in the price segment up to 300,000.

The video shows the machine in operation - the process of threading on this unit is demonstrated. In principle, everything is done easily, and special training is not needed at all to work on this machine:

6. Jet GHB-1330A - from 350,000 rubles.

The sphere of use of this TVS is small-scale production and piece products. The weight, length of the bed and a small basic set of accessories indicate the professional orientation of the equipment. That is, when the necessary equipment is purchased as needed, for the performance of specific tasks. Having experience working on this machine, I can say that in addition to convenient operation and actual power, the length of the bed or the width of the through hole of the spindle is definitely not enough. At the stage of discussion, changes had to be made to the order for meter-long elements of a spatial structure from a 50-mm pipe. If the specifics of the work is not related to the maintenance of construction sites, then this machine will be a justified investment in the development of your business.

Industrial equipment

From among the typical fuel assemblies of the industrial group, you can choose an option for both the workshop and the experimental workshop. The discreteness of the course and the permissible error are regulated by the standards. The operation of units and mechanisms is ideal with the established maintenance procedure. The complexity of the choice lies in a thorough comparison of the capabilities of a typical machine and the expected features of operation. Minor modifications are allowed. If there are obvious discrepancies, the modernization must be carried out by the manufacturer. Optimal - TVS to order.

7. Stalex GH-1430B - from 540,611 rubles.

The oil bath of the gearbox, from which the headstock bearings are lubricated, and the rigidity of the structure bring the product of domestic design as close as possible to the high bar of older TVS models. The advantage of the younger machine is the error of 0.005 mm declared by the manufacturer. Considering the features of the service and the declared cost, I can confidently say that equipment with such precision should be classified as industrial. Which, despite the average dimensions, will be effectively used only in the conditions of the production and experimental workshop.

8. Proma SPF-2000PH - from 1,220,000 rubles.

For drilling, reaming holes, grinding parts and knurling corrugations on the scale of repair and locksmith workshops of large enterprises, precise and powerful machines are required. The Czech version with a 2-meter working surface of the frame, a 5.5 kW electric motor and a hydraulic station for supplying a lubricating-cooling liquid meets all the requirements for industrial equipment. 2 steady rests on the bed increase the efficiency of processing large-sized workpieces. Maintenance of Proma SPF-2000PH requires certain qualifications from personnel. Therefore, at enterprises, the replacement of process fluids and local repairs are assigned to highly specialized specialists. I recommend entrusting the first commissioning to specialists from the manufacturer.

9. Jet GH-2040 ZH DRO RFS - from 1,165,000 rubles.

The index "2040" in the TVS marking defines the junior model of the senior line of typical lathes of the GH ZH DRO RFS series, from the international corporation JET. The differences between each of the 4 options are in the dimensions of the equipment and the maximum length of the workpiece. The engine is 12 kW, the parameters of each of the 4 possible thread options, the rotation speed of the feed shaft for the GH ZH DRO RFS models are completely identical. This allows us to conclude about the impressive potential of fuel assemblies with the code 2040.

A detailed review of the model - issues from the configuration to the hardness of the bed are considered; maximum cut per revolution tested:

My choice

No matter how detailed the advantages of screw-cutting lathes are described, it is difficult to draw an unambiguous conclusion regarding industrial equipment. Each production has its own characteristics, because of which special machines are ordered and standard machines are being finalized. From the point of view of typical equipment - JET GH-2040 ZH DRO RFS, due to the existing potential, stands out against the background of a small number of worthy competitors.

The most numerous in terms of the range of characteristics is the group of machine tools that are of interest to small businesses. Here you can always choose models that suit your needs. The easiest way is with - already in the basic configuration you get an accurate and high-performance fuel assembly, there is no need to modernize the machine.

It is more difficult to determine a machine for a hobby - the distribution of the same type of models affects. Against which stands out KRATON MML-01: a set of cutters, a set of gears and shafts, all the necessary tools. The affordability and maintainability of the machine predetermined its popularity. Minor design flaws can be corrected with minimal modifications.

How often do you service your power tool?

A lathe is indispensable if you often need to make parts from wood or metal, adjust them to the desired dimensions or turn threaded holes. How to choose a lathe - read the Price.ua review.

How to choose a wood lathe

As working equipment for a small workshop, a compact desktop lathe is suitable.

With it, you can make and process parts that have the shape of bodies of revolution - legs for stools, door handles, balusters for stairs and much more. It will also allow you to make a hole and cut a thread in a wooden blank.

The structure of the desktop wood lathe:

• the frame on which the rest of the nodes are attached;
• the headstock on which the rotating spindle is located;
• rear locking stock;
• movable pedestal.

Important parameters when choosing a lathe:

• dimensions;
• power (it can be used to judge the performance of the selected model);
• spindle speed (this affects the accuracy of processing, as well as the ability to work with hardwoods);
• turning diameter (indicates the allowable diameter of the workpiece);
• turning length (allowable length of the workpiece);
• the presence of a speed controller (cheap and old models may be without it)
• type of speed control: smooth or stepped.

For small-scale home work, a mini-machine with a power of up to 500 W is quite suitable, for regular bulk work, a unit with a power of about 1000 W is preferable, all that is more is a model for industrial production.

Small wood lathes process parts with parameters about half a meter in length and about 25 cm in diameter.

As for the type of speed control, it is better to give preference to smooth. With step control, the speed is fixed at each selected value. Smooth adjustment allows you to change the pace of work without jerking.

In floor models, the material from which the frame is made is important. Heavy cast iron base avoids vibration during machine operation. However, some manufacturers make this important part of aluminum.

Standard or all inclusive?

Before you buy a lathe for working with wood, carefully read the instructions. It should contain information about what is included in the standard package of the model.

The machine can be equipped with a copier. It controls the movements of the cutter, directing it along a given path. Installing this additional element will allow you to create a large number of parts of the same type.

Also, the manufacturer can add a reverse to the machine. It allows you to turn workpieces along the “forward-backward” path, which also facilitates turning the parts you need in shape.

Many modern machine models also have a display that shows the spindle speed.

Prices for household machines with all these options start from 10 thousand UAH. The cost of a 750 W unit will start from UAH 30,000. A machine with a power of more than 1 kW will cost 50 thousand UAH and more.

All of them are presented in the lines of the most famous manufacturers in this segment - JET and Holzstar.

Not wood alone: ​​metal lathe

When working with a woodworking lathe, the cutting tool is fed manually. At his "metal colleague" this function is assigned to the machine itself. Otherwise, the principles of their work are very similar.

Which lathe to buy for a garage? Metal parts are constantly needed to repair a car. Buying a quality, compact and multifunctional lathe can solve this problem for years to come. But the considerable cost of such equipment for a home auto repair shop makes it necessary to take a responsible approach to its choice.

How to choose a lathe for metal:

Dimensions and weight

To install a bulky and heavy lathe, you need a strong base. However, the principle “the lighter the better” does not fit. A light machine will vibrate, which will adversely affect the accuracy of the manufactured parts. At the same time, a compact lathe will have a less powerful engine.

Power

For home-made nuts and washers, a machine with a power of up to 1 kW is enough. Desktop garage machines most often have a power of 350 W-700 W.

Voltage

Most metal lathes operate on three-phase voltage (380 W).

Maximum processing diameter

It must correspond to the parameters of the workpieces that will be processed on it. But it should be noted that an increase in this parameter automatically pulls up the cost of the machine. For garage needs, a 30-centimeter diameter is enough.

The function of automatic movement of the caliper in the longitudinal surface

The support moves the cutting tool along the bed. There are machines on which this manipulation must be done manually. If this option is automated, the processing is faster and less effort is required.

This greatly simplifies the processing process.

Material

The machine will serve for a long time and reliably only if its parts are made of hard metal alloys based on tungsten carbides, titanium, tantalum. The bed can be cast from gray iron or welded from low carbon steels. Welded will be easier, but cast iron protects the machine more reliably from vibration during operation.

Limb division frequency

Everything is simple here: smaller divisions - more accurate setting.

Rotation speed adjustment

This function will allow you to set the required rotation speed.

Type of change of the direction of movement of the cutter

There is a lever and through the shifting of the belt. The first one is more convenient and practical. It should be clarified how the reverse movement of the spindle is provided on the machine. When machining a workpiece, it is often required that it also move in the opposite direction. Most models have a lever that flips the belt. But there are models where it needs to be done manually.

Tailstock quill diameter

The quill of the tailstock of the machine supports the workpiece during processing. The wider and more massive this sleeve, the less the part is subject to vibration during processing.

engine's type

In appearance, synchronous and asynchronous motors are very similar. The main difference between them is in the design of the rotors. The rotor of an asynchronous electric motor is not powered by current, and the poles on it are induced by the magnetic field of the stator. Synchronous is best suited where engine speed must remain the same, regardless of load. As an equipment for a lathe, asynchronous works better - it lasts longer.

The best desktop lathe for metal. Examples

Even a small desktop machine, which can easily fit on a table in the garage, can serve its owner for many years.

An example of such a unit is JET BD-7. Swiss brand, country of origin - Taiwan. This 0.59 kW verstat is capable of processing parts up to 300 millimeters long. Its weight is 44 kg, and the price is just over 30 thousand UAH.

It is best to choose by the deductive method, going from the general to the particular - your own lathe, which will solve your problems at no extra cost.

Determine the type of machine. It is chosen based on the volume and direction of future work. Vertical, automatic with CNC program control, semi-automatic or manual. The class of the machine reflects the amount of work for which its components and parts are designed.

The answer to the question of whether the machine will be able to solve those specific tasks that are needed is displayed in its technical characteristics.

They answer questions - can it process parts of the right size, what is the maximum diameter of the workpiece that can be inserted into the spindle, is the spindle speed sufficient to process the materials you need, what kind of chuck does the machine have, what kind of cams does it have.

The maximum spindle speed is a determining factor in the machine's ability to process hard materials.

The characteristics of the metric thread index and the number of other threads are no less important ..

The workpiece size limit is the “Diameter of processing over the bed D” characteristic.

Examine the characteristics of the tool holder.

What type of electric motor drives the spindle. If it is a collector, make sure that the gearbox will provide control over the acceleration of massive workpieces.

Is it possible to carry out milling work, what additional devices can be installed on this machine.

Video: features of milling on a lathe.

Pay close attention to the characteristics of the electric motor.

If it is supposed to process workpieces with a diameter of ten and a length of more than seventy, the machine engine must be asynchronous.

Do you have enough money to pay your electricity bills? Is there enough space to install it. Engineering developments in the machine tool industry have made it possible to produce machines that consume less electricity while maintaining their performance.

Acquisition budget. Naturally, everyone wants to save money. Still, do not be like the hero of the Arabic proverb - a cheap cow milks the owner when the earnings start to be lost due to endless repairs.

When choosing a machine that suits your needs, compare not only prices, but also the terms of delivery and installation, commissioning, warranty and post-warranty service, availability and cost of spare parts.
The possibilities of a lathe are limited only by the imagination of the turner.

Video: a lathe that breaks patterns of thought.

Metal parts are constantly needed to repair a car. Well, if the model is common, you can buy it. If the car is rare, you either have to wait a long time until they deliver it, or order production. In this case, you can purchase a lathe for the garage. If you have experience, you can use it for part-time work.

What types of lathes are suitable for private use

There are nine types of lathes in total, but not all are needed in the garage. Most often, private traders can see small screw-cutting lathes. Along with the processing of parts (grinding, drilling, milling, drilling of radial holes, etc.), they perform various types of threading and taper turning. It is such a lathe for the garage that they are trying to buy - it covers almost all the needs of car owners.

Are issued in two types — desktop and with a bed (floor). Desktop - small, with low weight (up to 200 kg) machines. It is easier for them to find a place in the garage. The disadvantage is that you cannot process large and heavy parts on them. Another point: due to their small mass, they are not always able to give out high processing accuracy.

Floor lathes (usually school ones) have a much larger mass and dimensions. For normal operation, a separate foundation must be made under them. Installation on vibration dampers is possible, but it is not easy to find them.

Lathe device

In order to choose a lathe, it is desirable to know its device, purpose, functions and possible parameters of each of the parts. First, let's take a look at the main nodes.

These are the main components of the lathe. It makes sense to take a closer look at complex nodes, since the capabilities and operation of the equipment depend on their execution.

bed

Most often, these are two parallel massive metal beams / walls, connected by crossbars to give greater rigidity. The caliper and tailstock move along the frame. For this purpose, guide sleds are machined on the frame. The tailstock moves along flat guides, the caliper - along prismatic ones. Very rare prism guides for the tailstock.

Lathe bed for metal - factory and homemade

When choosing a used machine, pay attention to the condition of the slide and the smoothness of the movement of parts along them.

Front (spindle) grandma

The headstock in modern lathes, most often, combines a workpiece holder and a device for changing the spindle speed. There are several types of speed control - by moving the levers to a certain position, using the regulator.

The control of the regulator with a smooth change in the speed of rotation is carried out on the basis of microprocessor control. In this case, the headstock has a liquid crystal display on which the current speed is displayed.

The main part of the headstock is a spindle, which on one side is connected to the electric drive pulley, on the other side it has a thread onto which the cartridges holding the workpiece are screwed. The accuracy of turning operations directly depends on the condition of the spindle. There should be no beats and backlashes in this knot.

Guitar gears - to transmit rotation and change its speed

In the headstock there is a system of interchangeable gears for transmitting and changing rotation to the gearbox shaft. When choosing a garage lathe, pay attention to the condition of the gears and the absence of spindle play. This affects the accuracy of workpiece processing.

tailstock

The tailstock is movable - it moves along the guides on the frame. It is brought to the part, its position is adjusted, the quill rests against the part, holding it in the desired position, the position of the quill is fixed by turning the corresponding handle. After that, the position of the tailstock is fixed with another locking handle.

In some models, the tailstock is designed not only to support massive or long parts in a given direction, but also to process them.

To do this, depending on the operations performed, the corresponding equipment is fixed on the quills - cutters, taps, drills. The additional center of the machine on the tailstock can be stationary or rotating. The rotating rear center is made on high-speed machines, for removing large chips, turning cones.

caliper

The support of a lathe is a movable part on which tools for machining parts are attached. Thanks to the special design of this unit, the cutter can move in three planes. Horizontal movement is provided by guides on the frame, longitudinal and transverse slides.

The position of the cutter relative to the surface of the machine (and the part) is set by a rotary tool holder. In each of the planes there is a latch that provides retention in a given position.

The holder of the cutter can be single or multiple. The tool holder, most often, is made in the form of a cylinder with a side slot into which a cutter is inserted, which is fixed with bolts. On simple machines, the caliper has a special groove into which a recess is inserted on the bottom of the holder. This is how the cutting tool is fixed on the machine.

Garage lathe: parameters

First of all, determine the mass and type of connection. When choosing a mass, you should not strive to find the lightest machine. Very light ones do not give stability, they can vibrate during operation, which will affect the accuracy of work. Yes, it is problematic to install heavy machines, but installation is a single event, you will have to work regularly. Therefore, weight is far from the most basic selection criterion.

Too large lathes can not be installed in every garage, but small and medium ones are an excellent choice.

The type of connection - single-phase or three-phase - this is already more important. And then, three-phase can be connected to 220 through special starters. Of the electrical characteristics, engine power is also important. The higher it is, the greater the rotation speed the lathe can develop. These are common points. There are also special ones:

• The diameter of the workpiece that can be processed on the machine. It is determined by the diameter of the processing above the bed and above the caliper.
• Workpiece length. Depends on the move.
• List of operations.
• The maximum number of revolutions.
• The adjustment method is smooth, stepped.
• Possibility of reverse.

The dimensions of the workpieces are directly related to the dimensions of the machine. So here we have to look for a reasonable compromise. Usually you don’t want to clutter up the garage too much, but you need to process the overall details.

Micro and mini lathes

In order not to clutter up the garage, you can find mini or micro lathes. They are very small in size and light in weight. For example, PROMA SM-250E micro lathe for garage has dimensions of 540*300*270 mm and weight is 35 kg. It can process workpieces with a length of 210 mm and a diameter of 140 mm. Smooth speed control from 100 to 2000 rpm. For the size, it's not that bad.

Mini lathes - they belong in the garage

Despite its small size, it can perform the following operations:

• surface grinding,
• thread cutting;
• drilling;
• countersinking;
• deployment.

It is also possible to grind parts, knurling, tool sharpening. The main operations, as you can see, are present. The disadvantage is that you cannot process any large parts on machines of this type. And another disadvantage of this particular model is the price. This garage lathe costs from $ 900.

In the same category there are Chinese JET BD-3 and JET BD-6 (price $500-600) and domestic KRATON MML-01 (price $900), Encore Corvette 401 ($650), German Optimum - from $1300 to $6000 $; Czech Proma - from $ 900,

Floor options

Here the choice is not so wide, because both prices and mass are much higher. There are several proven models that can be installed in the garage.

These are the so-called school machines - TV 4 (its improved version of TV 6), TV 7 and desktop version TV 16. With a mass of 280 kg (TV 4) and 400 kg TV 7, it is desirable to have a separate foundation. If you just put it on a concrete floor, it will break it.