Hi
@doudou01 , that's cool to see someone else here that started with the same plans from that vid on youtube! It didn't take long after starting the prints and procurement of the parts that I wanted to change a few things. I went with a longer bed (1500mm), looks like you stitched two together for your build, so same idea. I think about the only thing that I have on there that are the original files are the end caps, the lower section of the carriage assembly, a few wire clips, and the feet. Everything else I had to either design, or remix in Fusion360.
I'll give you my honest feedback of where I stand with it, now that I have seat time.
- I would absolutely do it again if I could turn back time, so I don't regret it. I'm wired to build and learn hands on. However, at this point I don't think I'll be doing any substantial upgrades to it, as I believe it's now time for me to save up some cash and purchase either a Mid America, Cuesmith, or find a more robust metal lathe at an auction that can be repurposed.
- It's underpowered, and I've thought about upgrading the motor. This likely won't happen though, due to the weak carriage assembly design.
- The carriage assembly design, which uses delrin v-wheels works, but it doesn't spread or bear the load well. This introduces flex and chatter, neither are desirable when you want any sort of precision. I decided I didn't want to invest in linear rails as
@DeeDeeCues was suggesting (correctly so), after researching which ones to try. There are different sizes, profiles, and manufacturer qualities. After putting pen to paper on those pices, as well as a more robust motor I decided that money would be better shoved in a rathole towards a "real" lathe.
- The fact that the carriage assembly hangs so far away from the center of the bed (towards the operator), really doesn't help you at all. You'll find yourself supporting the underside of it with one hand while operating the wheel. The whole carriage assembly really needs redesigned.
- The x-axis (side to side) motion of the carriage works fine with a wheel on the end of the lathe, but a rack and pinion like a Mid America/Cuesmith would be much better.
- Everything is held together with 5mm screws and t-nuts. Some of them are fixed in the profile, some are quick release like you find a lot on older mendel printers such as ender's. It works, but is very slow for changing the configuration of the machine between tip/ferrule work, shaft cleaning, etc. I know they make quick releases... even 3d printed options ready on the stl sites... but that still means sourcing some hardware either way. I already have a work flow, even though it's slow.
- It is nice having reverse, but I may actually redesign the control panel yet again and add a foot pedal to override the speed control knob when plugged in. I did try to play with a linen wrap on a butt... it's doable, but I'd never do it again without a pedal. (nightmare lol)
- Ferrules are possible, at least with the headstock I'm using (I think you said you ended up ordering the same one). I'm using sticky notes to help with the runout. But, with that said, you have to go slow due to the lack of power and chatter. In fact, here's a few pictures below of a replacement ferrule I made and installed for my 314-2 shaft, using Tomahawk rod. Like I said, it works, just slow.
***Couple of tips***
Routinely check the end play (not the backlash) on the leadscrew for the Y axis, that makes a world of difference on the chatter.
At the end of the day. It's a really great lathe for changing tips and cleaning shafts. It can do ferrule work if you have patience, but this is most reliably a shaft cleaning and tip swapping machine. I'll never get rid of it, and it'll probably still be used for secondary operations once I upgrade.
Good Luck!! I hope this helps.
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