Choosing a desktop metal lathe for the home. Rating of desktop lathes for metal Best lathe

In the article you will find useful information concerning the selection of the best lathes. Much depends on the purpose of the device - what parts and in what ways need to be processed.

The purpose of lathes is the processing of metal blanks with high level accuracy. Devices are large (industrial) or compact (home). It is impossible to say unequivocally which lathe is better, so we will consider in detail the features of different types and draw conclusions. In addition, do not forget to purchase high-quality coolants for the lathe - they are necessary so that the device does not overheat and last longer.

Industrial machines are equipped with many attachments that increase functionality, and they also allow you to process large parts. Mini-machines are often installed in the garage, workshop or at home, they can be put on the table and do small turning work.

The article will consider the best metal lathes from different categories.

How to choose a lathe for metal - characteristics

When choosing a device, pay attention to the material from which it is made and how the rails for the bed are attached: the fact is that the bed is a very important component; it not only acts as a box where other elements are attached, but working mechanisms move along its guides. The bed should be massive, preferably made of cast iron, and stable, then the machine will vibrate less and cut metal more accurately.

What else should you pay attention to:

• The rails are attached to the uprights by welding or bolts. The structure can be equally rigid in both cases, but the bolts will need to be checked and tightened occasionally.
• The bed must stand on the pedestals without distortions, otherwise the details will be defective. The number of pedestals varies from 2 to 4 depending on the size and weight of the lathe.
• Before you buy desktop machine, pay attention to the following aspects: lack of play of moving parts, connection method and required mains voltage, dimensions of the workpiece that can be processed.
• It is not necessary to buy the most expensive model with many features - in many cases it is more profitable to choose a simpler model and equip it with the necessary tools over time.
• Before buying, it is advisable to check that at all the speeds declared by the manufacturer, the device works stably and without interruptions - this is the main criterion that guarantees comfortable interaction with the machine.

When considering which lathe to choose, you must immediately take a good and accurate model, and not rely on the possibility of self-refinement.

The best desktop machines

METALMASTER MML 1830V - joint production of Russia and Germany. Produced in China, Russia, Poland. This model has stepless control in two ranges. The following components are included in the package: reverse cams, thrust center, as well as interchangeable metal gears for the guitar.

Stalex SBL-280/700 is made in China. The model is quite large, but the standard delivery includes a pair of steady rests.

Jet BD-6 is a miniature machine weighing only 33 kilograms. The engine is also low power, so processing options are limited, although for small household purposes, choosing this option may be justified.

The best machines for the home (home)

In home workshops, semi-professional machines or miniature models are usually installed. The former are more expensive and larger, but more functional and powerful. Conventionally, home devices are divided into:

• Turning and screw, screw-cutting. With their help, you can both turn parts and create threads or recesses. The price of such devices is higher than conventional ones, but the minimum spindle runout allows processing different types metals.
• Desktop. Inexpensive and compact, they are used for creating various cuts or bevels, facing, reaming holes, forming grooves and much more.
• Versatile, used for a variety of tasks.

If, in addition to metal, you need to process wood and other materials, then milling machines should be considered.

The list of home lathes includes a variety of brands, but the most successful of them are Stalex and JET, whose representatives were discussed in the previous section. Examples of great models for the home:

• Stalex SBD-920W
• JET BD-X7
• Stalex SBD-X7
• Jet BD-7
• JET BD-6

Their prices are relatively affordable for a private person, but the functionality and characteristics at the same time give a fairly large freedom of action in matters of metal processing.

The best lathes for the workshop

A small workshop requires a machine that is compact in size, but at the same time with a wide range of functions and good power - after all, orders can be very different.

Examples of suitable models:

• JET BD-920. 120 thousand rubles. Produced in Switzerland. Works well with small items. There is no caliper play, the nut is fixed very tightly, which is convenient when processing soft metals. Engine power 0.97 kW, consumes 550 watts.
• FDB MASCHINEN TURNER 320 X 1000 S. 260 thousand rubles. Produced in Germany. It shows a very high precision in processing parts, but the device itself is heavy and massive - it weighs 650 kg. This can also be called an advantage, since due to the large weight, vibrations are minimal, the machine stands on the floor like a glove.
• ZENITECH MD250-550 VARIO. 140 thousand rubles. Produced in Russia. It has a stylish design that attracts many buyers. The processing quality is also excellent. Power 1.1 kW. The spindle speed is displayed on a special display, so it is convenient to track it.
• TV-9 "RUSTAN". 470 thousand rubles. Produced in Russia. A functional representative of the rating, characterized by high build quality and operation of each node. Equipped with a collet, chuck, centers, so it allows you to perform the widest range of work. For greater convenience, the TV-9 can be equipped with an LED machine lamp.

What to choose lathes for the garage

A garage machine is one of the most sought after use cases. There are many options for its use both in working with a car and in the process of arranging personal plot. Sometimes some small detail cannot be found in any stores - and carving it yourself is easy and fast.

Key selection criteria:

• Budget. As a rule, they purchase a basic assembly, and, if necessary, subsequently purchase additional components.
• Small dimensions. A lot of things are already stored in the garage, there is a car, so the machine should not take up a lot of space.
• Proven quality. The thing is expensive, so the choice must be approached with all seriousness.

The main options for devices for garage operation are desktop (often without a tailstock and with minimal functionality), universal (with a milling cutter included), school ones (smooth speed adjustments, reverse, low weight) and screw-cutting lathes (expensive models with minimal spindle runout) .

Examples of suitable firms:

• Enkor - Corvette 407 and other modifications. Semi-automatic machines, in which peeling must be done manually, and the rest of the operations - with automatic caliper feed.
• Optimum. German brand but made in China.
• Weiss. Table machines with minimum level vibrations. Their peculiarity is that the spindle, after stopping rotation in roller bearings, leaves a possible reverse to move the caliper.

Best CNC Lathe

There are several main selection criteria. For example, budget: CNC machines (numerical program management) are generally expensive, but the price range is quite wide. The minimum cost can be called 450 thousand rubles, these are amateur options. The cost of industrial models reaches 15 million.

Which device to choose depends on what parts are planned to be processed - we mean the dimensions, the complexity of the shape, the material used, and the quantitative volumes.

The main popular brands:

• Hyundai. For example, turning center KIT4500.
• Takisawa. For example, the NEX series, which is used in all areas of the engineering industry, aviation, instrument making.

In the Soviet Union they made things for centuries. The industry was organized in such a way that the emphasis was not on the variety of models or beautiful design, but on durability. Therefore, Soviet lathes are successfully operated to this day. For example:

• IT-1M. Screw-cutting lathe, most often used in small workshops or in educational institutions. Has light weight. Allows for axial drilling, turning of conical blanks, processing of round blanks, threading, etc.
• Universal 2 and Universal 3. Sufficiently compact and functional models that allow jointing, grinding operations, processing with a circular saw or jigsaw, drilling, etc.

We hope that now it has become easier for you to choose a lathe. And buy coolant for him and related products you can in the company Loc-Line, located in St. Petersburg.

Lathes are designed for machining bodies of revolution. They allow you to process cylindrical, conical, spherical surfaces, cut different kinds threads, as well as drilling, boring, facing and cutting off. Modern lathes are divided into two main types: these are universal machines and CNC machines. Over the past decade, the share of CNC machines has been steadily growing. The simplicity of machine tools and the wide technological application in production determines their large share among the machine tool fleet of metalworking enterprises.
Tver Machine Tool Plant, at the moment, from the turning group produces only CNC lathes and turning machining centers (turning and milling machines).

Turning machining center TS1720F4	CNC machine TS1625F3

The main advantage of universal machines is their cost, achieved by simplicity of design. All operations on universal machine the turner must be performed manually, which often affects the quality and accuracy of the resulting part. The only way to improve the quality of products produced on a universal machine and to facilitate the work of a turner is to install a DRO (digital display device).

CNC machines perform processing using a control program. Lathe with CNC has much more opportunities compared to universal machines: it allows you to get more accurate and high-quality parts and has high productivity. At present, universal machines are increasingly giving way to CNC machines, since even the most inexpensive CNC machine is superior to a similar universal machine in all respects, at a relatively low cost.

Types of lathes

screw-cutting

These machines are the most common and widely used machines of the turning group and are used mainly in single and small-scale production. CNC machines are more suitable for serial and large serial production. The axis of rotation of the part is horizontal. The principle of operation, design and elements of the machines are almost the same.

carousel

Vertical lathes are used for turning heavy workpieces with large diameters and relatively small heights. The axis of rotation of the part is located vertically. These machines are capable of turning and boring cylindrical and conical surfaces, cutting ends, cutting grooves.

The main unit of the carousel machine is a faceplate with a vertical axis, on which the workpiece is mounted. Depending on the diameter of the faceplate, rotary machines are single-column or double-column. Supports are located on the racks, on which a cutting tool for processing parts is installed.

Automatic/Semiautomatic

Turning copy semi-automatic machines are used for processing parts of complex shape. Workpieces on such machines are processed with one or more cutters. During processing, the cutters can move in the longitudinal and transverse directions in accordance with the profile of the copier or reference part.

It is advisable to use automatic lathes in large-scale and mass production small parts.

Face lathes

For processing workpieces whose diameter is much greater than their height (pulleys, railway wheels, flywheels), frontal lathes are used. The processing surface can be either cylindrical or conical. It is possible to grind grooves, process ends.

The faceplate, up to 4 meters in diameter, is located vertically, there is no tailstock. Machines for processing especially large parts consist of two parts located on different bases: the support is located separately. Their faceplate has a special recess for fixing workpieces with dimensions exceeding its diameter.

Resurfacing lathes

Resurfacing is a special method of sharpening the back surfaces of machining tools: various types of milling cutters, drilling and threading tools. Such an operation is carried out to preserve the shape of the tool during long-term operation.

The design of the backing machine is similar to the screw cutter, but has its own characteristics. The tool being machined is rotated by the spindle. The cutting tool together with the caliper performs linear reciprocating movements in the radial direction, while passing (rearing) the machined tool by one tooth.

Specialized lathes

Designed to perform specific operations, often within a production line

The main criteria for choosing a CNC lathe

Before purchasing a lathe, there are many factors that must be taken into account that determine the correct choice of equipment.

Machine type

The type of machine should be selected based on production tasks (dimensions of the workpiece, finished part, technological complexity and quantity produced over a period of time)

For the manufacture of piece parts, it is advisable to purchase a universal machine; for mass production, a CNC machine is better.

Lathes with a horizontal bed of the TS1625F3 series are the most common, as they combine decent quality, productivity and long service life. affordable price, they also allow the production of long shaft-type parts.

Machines with an inclined bed of the TS1720F4 series have higher rigidity, more high speed movement and rotation of the workpiece, the spindle is driven by a servomotor, chips are removed from the cutting zone using a conveyor. Turning machining centers offer the same advantages as slant bed machines, while being able to perform both turning and milling with a driven tool.

For high-speed batch production of small parts, CNC automatic lathes are most suitable. With a bar feeder, the production of small parts becomes almost completely automated.

Specifications

Maximum processing diameter (mm)

CNC turning:

Size between centers (maximum cutting length) (mm)

CNC Turning and Turning Machining Centers::

Positioning accuracy, repeatability, (mm)

CNC turning:

Maximum number of tools

CNC turning:

TS16A16F3	4
TS16A20F3 TS16K20F3	6
TS1625F3	8, 12
TS1640F3	4, 8
TS1720F3	12, 8
TS1720F4	12, 8

Price

The cost of the machine depends on the manufacturer, size group, functionality, additional options. Before buying a machine, you need to decide what options you need.

Many operations can be performed different machines, with different performance. For example, an M12 bolt can be made on a universal lathe, a batch of more than 10 pieces is advisable to be made on a CNC lathe or automatic lathe. If it is planned to process workpieces with a diameter greater than 60 mm, then it is already difficult or impossible to use an automatic lathe. If you need a single processing of workpieces that exceed the parameters of the machine, then sometimes it is more expedient to place an order on the side than to buy a heavy overall machine for this task.

Availability of options(opportunities for expanding technological capabilities)
technological capabilities are constantly being improved, see the pages with a specific machine
Availability of finished machines
As standard, part of the lathes is presented in our warehouse and showroom. Depending on the selected optional equipment, the production time will be formed.

It is best to choose by the deductive method, going from the general to the particular - your own lathe, which will solve your problems without extra costs.

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 whether the machine will be able to solve those specific tasks that are needed is displayed in its technical specifications.

They answer the 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, which chuck the machine has, what cams it has.

Max Speed spindle speed is the 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.

The history of the development of lathes goes back several centuries, but to this day they remain relevant in many technological industries. There are many types of these units. But they all have one thing in common basic principle workpiece processing - the body of revolution is processed by turning and / or cutting. The lathe allows you to carry out the following work:

• countersinking, reaming holes;
• drilling;
• processing / trimming ends;
• thread cutting;
• boring and turning of shaped, conical, cylindrical surfaces.

photo: choice of lathe for metal

1.Specifications

The main unit of the lathe is the spindle. It rotates along with the workpiece, clamping it into a special mount. The cutting tool moves in two planes - transversely and parallel to the axis of rotation of the workpiece. For execution specific tasks and processing parts of a certain size, a number of machine parameters must be taken into account:

• Processing diameter. This is the distance that limits the maximum diameter of the workpiece that can be machined over the bed.
• Distance between centers. Defines the maximum length of the workpiece that can be operated on.
• Spindle bore diameter. Specifies the diameter of the workpiece (bar that can pass through the spindle bore).
• In the price.ua catalog, you can choose a lathe for wood and metalworking according to the most favorable prices from various online stores.

2. Type of machine

Understanding the scope of work and their direction will help determine the type of machine:

• manual;
• semi-automatic;
• automatic;
• automatic with CNC (numerical program control).

Another distinction depending on the location of the spindle:

• vertical (processing industrial systems to solve the most complex problems);
• horizontal (processing of internal and external surfaces of parts, threading).

3. Features of production

If you plan to engage in turning metal or wood at home (garage, small workshop), you need to take into account the limited size of the room. In such cases, you can opt for household or miniature models, which have a limited rotation speed and an area for processing workpieces of only certain maximum allowable sizes.

4. Load and accuracy

This parameter is determined by the amount of work for which the unit is designed. If continuous production is planned, then a household lathe must withstand such loads. The accuracy determines the class of the machine. The higher the accuracy class, the more expensive this model.

5. Purchase budget

This limitation determines the type of machine and its capabilities. Different manufacturers offer different functionality of machines. Therefore, the cost can increase in direct proportion to the capabilities of each unit. Complex systems for industrial production require great capital costs. In the catalog price.ua you can find functionality each model and choose the unit that will allow you to perform the necessary list of works.

How to choose a lathe: Video

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 models machines also have a display that shows the speed of rotation of the spindle.

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 on long years. 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 homemade nuts and washers will be enough for a machine with a power of up to 1 kW. 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 cast 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 processing a workpiece, it is often required that it also move in reverse 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.