A tabletop metal lathe is a good model for a home, garage or small workshop, because the functionality of such a device allows it to be used effectively to perform a large list of technological operations. In fact, this is a miniature copy of the factory model, differing from it only in slightly limited technical capabilities.
Benchtop lathe for home workshop
Features and benefits of tabletop machines
A mini lathe, which is logical, is specially designed to process small-sized products. As with any turning equipment, a small machine can perform various technological operations on metal: turning cylindrical and conical parts, trimming their ends, grinding, drilling, reaming holes, cutting external and internal threads, etc.
Despite the fact that processing on such units is carried out at a much lower speed than on full-size devices, the quality of the finished products does not suffer at all from this. Their quality will be especially high if the mini-lathe is controlled by a CNC system.
Small models of metal lathes, which are very easy to operate, are used not only to equip home workshops, where with their help it becomes possible to produce many products or bring the quality of finished ones to the required level. Small workshops and vehicle repair shops are no less successfully equipped with such units. Since the times of the USSR, schools and technical educational institutions have been equipped with similar machines, where with their help young people were taught the basics of the turner profession.
Among the advantages that a small-sized lathe has, the most significant are:
- use of a household electrical network with a voltage of 220 V to power such a machine;
- the ability to adapt such a device in order to connect it to a three-phase network;
- low power consumption;
- reliability, which allows such a micro-lathe to be successfully operated, subject to proper maintenance, for decades;
- affordable cost (many people can afford to purchase such equipment);
- compact dimensions and light weight, which makes it possible to install such a metal lathe even in a cramped workshop or garage;
- the opportunity to learn how to operate such a device in a short period of time, while the operation and maintenance of the machine will not cause any particular difficulties even for a novice turner.
Among desktop lathes there is a category of extremely compact models, which are commonly called mini-machines. The video below provides an overview of one of these portable machines.
An important advantage of such equipment is that it can be additionally equipped with various devices, which makes it possible to effectively use tools for milling and complex drilling of workpieces. With the help of such a simple modification, you now have at your disposal a desktop turning and milling machine, that is, universal equipment characterized by wide functionality.
What factors influence the cost and main selection criteria?
The cost is influenced by the factors of using machines for their intended purpose, dimensions, the presence of software devices, the number of rotational speeds of the engine and drive system. The brand of a turning machine increases its cost by 1.3-1.6 times. Important, equipment.
The device, just like a machine, is equipped with a variety of devices for comfort and good control. You need to choose wisely for complete sets at an affordable price. An equipped machine may not produce what you want for work:
Recommendations for choosing a machine
Any desktop lathe, regardless of the model, can be characterized by several basic parameters. These include:
- the mass of the device, which is measured in kilograms;
- power, measured in kilowatts;
- speed, expressed as the number of revolutions per unit of time at which its spindle rotates;
- height of the centers (expressed in millimeters);
- the maximum length and diameter of the workpiece (in mm) that can be processed on such a unit;
- the number of speeds that the device drive can provide (as a rule, a tabletop lathe has no more than six such speeds);
- the diameter of the hole in the spindle assembly (measured in millimeters).
One of the representatives of compact tabletop machines
Lathe units, which are classified as small, can have a mass from 40 to 280 kg; accordingly, their overall dimensions also vary. To equip a home workshop, it is recommended to choose devices with a minimum weight: up to 50 kg, which are convenient to install and can even be carried if the need arises. Heavier equipment, even if it is a table lathe, already falls into the semi-professional category.
The power of small lathes usually does not exceed 2.25 kW. Some types of machines for the home, classified as low-power, are equipped with a drive whose power is 0.15 kW. Paying attention to this parameter of the machine, you should decide in advance for processing parts from what materials and with what dimensions you are going to use it. It is important to do this not only in order to initially select a household machine of the required power, but also in order not to overpay extra money for a unit that will not be used to its full potential.
Tough guys who are serious about saving money often choose the path of making their own machine
Even with small overall dimensions, a lathe for a garage or home workshop does not cease to be a complex technical device, the quality of its components directly determines the accuracy of processing, as well as the reliability and durability of the equipment. The build quality of such components, as well as the material from which they are made, is also of great importance. The last two parameters are especially important for the following structural elements of the turning unit:
- machine support, which is responsible for the reliability and accuracy of fastening the cutting tool, as well as for its movement during processing;
- bed - a supporting element on which all components and mechanisms of the machine are placed and fixed.
The metal from which these structural elements are made must be exceptionally durable and have a carefully polished surface. Only if these important conditions are met can you count on the fact that your household machine will last for many years without losing its original characteristics. When choosing a home turning device for metal work, you should also take into account the frequency of its use, which determines the wear rate of its components.
On the domestic market, tabletop lathes are presented in a wide range of models and brands. It is very easy to get confused with such a variety of options, so to help you make the right choice, we will look at some models of metal lathes from the most popular manufacturers.
Installation options
The longest distance between centers is one of the main dimensions of the equipment.
It allows you not only to determine the most likely length of the product for processing, but also provides information about the dimensions of the machine itself. In some devices, these values are indicated in the labeling. For the workpiece being processed, the maximum diameter is determined by the height of the centers above the support and the maximum interval of the tool rest from the axis of rotation. When using a support or copier, this indicator does not have such a meaning.
If we compare a wood lathe with other electric tools, the power consumption of the machine is sufficient to perform the functions assigned to it.
On all current installations, the rotation speed is modified. There are two ways to configure:
This parameter allows you to adapt the installation to work with a product of a certain diameter and a given cleanliness. Typically the rotation speed ranges from 500 rpm to 5000 rpm.
JET brand machines
It is no coincidence that tabletop lathes, which have been produced by the Swiss company JET for more than 50 years, have gained enormous popularity among home craftsmen and owners of small businesses. Even though some of the components of these machines have recently been produced in Chinese factories, their quality remains impeccable. Providing high quality, precision and processing efficiency, these units do not cause problems during operation and are easy to maintain.
The most popular models of machines of this brand include the following.
BD-3 is a miniature machine that can be used equally well by both amateurs and professionals. The frame of such a device is made of cast iron, which significantly reduces vibration during its operation. The machine guides, which can be adjusted according to the transverse slide, are carefully polished, this ensures precise movement along them. The equipment is equipped with a low-power (0.15 kW) but very efficient motor, which reduces energy consumption. The spindle of such a miniature unit can rotate in the range of 100–3800 rpm. The manufacturer has even provided for the possibility of independent servicing of the equipment, for which the standard kit includes an additional tool holder and a three-jaw chuck with a working section of 50 mm.
JET BD-3 machine, costs from 42,000 rubles
BD-7 is a machine for home or small business, distinguished by a number of remarkable design features: a massive cast-iron frame that reduces vibration of the unit, two spindle speed ranges, the data of which is reflected on a digital indicator, the spindle itself is equipped with roller-type bearings. This metal cutting machine is very reliable. The tailstock of this model can be adjusted, which makes it possible to use it for processing conical surfaces. Due to the presence of a reverse mechanism, the workpiece on such a unit can be fed in two directions. With such a device it will be possible to cut threads, since its spindle can rotate in different directions. Compared to the previous model, this machine has more power; it has a 0.37 kW electric motor.
JET BD-7 machine, costs about 80 thousand rubles
BD-8A is a table-top machine in which longitudinal and transverse feed are automated. The spindle head of such a machine can be quickly rearranged; it is also equipped with a reversible mechanism that allows it to be used for thread cutting. Four tools can be installed simultaneously in the unit holder, and its thrust center is made according to a non-rotating pattern. The three-jaw chuck of the machine with a working diameter of 100 mm is protected by a special screen, which increases operator safety. This machine is driven by an electric motor with a power of 0.55 kW.
JET BD-8A machine, price from 170,000 rubles
The JET company also produces more powerful machines, which are often purchased not for home use, but for equipping small workshops. Such equipment, in particular, includes BD-9G, BD-920W, BD-11W.
Safety precautions
After setting up the machine, it is worth studying the operating instructions regarding following safety rules.
Compliance with the rules will ensure safe operation of the machine and extend the life of the equipment. It is best to entrust all electrical and service work to a qualified specialist.
Originally posted 2018-04-06 09:34:22.
Source
Equipment from other manufacturers
The products of the Czech company PROMA, which has been producing similar equipment for more than 20 years, have proven themselves to be excellent on the domestic market. Among the variety of lathes and screw-cutting lathes for home or small enterprises that this company produces, the following devices should be noted.
- The SM-250E is a true micro-lathe that weighs only 23 kg. With its modest dimensions, such a unit boasts excellent technical characteristics. It is this machine that is best installed at home if you are going to perform metal turning work at an amateur level. What is important is that due to the high reliability of its design, such a miniature machine practically does not require special maintenance throughout the entire warranty period.
- SK-400 is a universal unit whose weight is already 120 kg. This machine, with which you can perform a full range of metal turning and drilling workpieces, is mainly used to equip vehicle service 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 repair shops of manufacturing enterprises.
PROMA SPA-500, cost about 130,000 rubles
A number of other models of machines produced under this brand are deservedly popular: 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 home workshops. Using such devices, which are easy to operate and maintain, you can quickly learn the basics of the turning profession. Among the models of miniature lathes produced by domestic manufacturers, one can note TV-6, TV-9, TV-16.
In addition, to equip a home workshop or small business, you can pay attention to lathes from the following manufacturers.
- OPTIMUM is a German brand that produces lathes, including miniature ones, which are well known and appreciated by specialists throughout Europe. The most famous models of machines for metal work of this brand, on which a CNC system can be installed, are D140x250, D210x400, D250x550.
- Chinese company Weiss Machinery, which produces inexpensive but high-quality, reliable and functional turning equipment. The most popular models, which are known in many countries around the world, are: WM-180V, WM-250V, WM-250G, WMP-300A, ML-200.
Weiss Machinery ML200 machine, cost about 160,000 rubles
How to do it yourself
You can save on buying a device and make the machine yourself, which will require finding many stainless steel components with a thickness of at least 3 cm (for supporting parts). The main thing is to pay attention to reliability
- Calipers (needed for fastening, moving and fixing);
- Statins (supporting element).
Not everyone can cope with such a task, so it is recommended not to experiment, but to trust trusted manufacturers.
Zenitech MD 250-550 VARIO
This model is small in size, which is why it is widely used in small workshops and workshops. The machine meets all the high quality standards that a tool developed in European countries must meet. The materials from which it is made have a large strength reserve and are designed for use in harsh conditions, for continuous use with very little wear. The motor power is 0.75 kW. Rotation speed – 50-2500 rpm. The machine can work with workpieces of decent size and weight. There is a function for automatic operation of the cutter after preparatory manual adjustment.
