Vectric Lathe?

[rondunn]

Sorry for posting this in the VCarve forum, I couldn't find anywhere more suitable.

I'm thinking about a CNC lathe. I use VCarve for my routers, but there doesn't seem to be an equivalent for lathes.

New product idea?

Ron.

[kaartman]

Hallo Ron
Have a look at the comparison list of Vectric, http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/ ... rision.htm look down the list for Wrapped Rotary Toolpath, and here are many topics to read about http://www.vectric.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=38

K

[rondunn]

Hi Kaartman,

Do you think wrapped axes are a suitable replacement for a lathe?

My main reason for thinking about a lathe is to make model wheels. Curious to see if people have done this using a 4th axis and Vectric software.

Ron.

[dealguy11]

Assuming it's some kind of spindle turning (as opposed to bowl turning) you can make close to anything with a 4th axis that you can make on a lathe, and lots of things you can't make on a lathe (assuming you have Aspire). You can make bowls, too, but the inside needs to be hollowed out with the bowl fastened to the table, not on the 4th axis. A 4th axis may give you better repeatability as well. I don't see any reason you couldn't make model wheels with it.