No full-cycle metalworking production can do without a lathe. Such equipment allows you to perform drilling, turning, cutting, corrugating, etc. The main purpose is to work with parts in the form of bodies of revolution, but there are also multifunctional units with a wider range of tasks. At the same time, the desktop lathe for metal is a lightweight version of the full-scale production models of this segment. Due to its small size, it can be used in small workshops and in the household.
Key Features
Design optimization naturally affected the power potential, so do not project the possibilitiesordinary industrial machine for this segment of metalworking equipment. For example, the average power of desktop turning units is 400-650 watts. This is enough to work with small workpieces. When choosing, you should also pay attention to the overall parameters, since this configuration is often preferred precisely for reasons of space saving. So, the average width is 50-70 cm, and the length can reach 200 cm. A small mass within 250 kg makes it possible to install the structure on the base of the workbench. Nevertheless, even mini-turning machines for metal can handle the majority of standard blanks with a diameter of 10-20 cm. A desktop unit of this type has a small bed and a modest power of up to 300 W, but as a turning it can outperform even full-size counterparts. For example, roughing is performed at a feed speed of 0.4-0.7 mm/rev. with a cut of 4-5 mm in depth. Modes of operation in finishing cutting can reach 0.7-1 mm in accuracy. In this case, the speed will be lower - about 0.2 mm / rev.
Functional support
The implementation of auxiliary devices can be conditionally divided into two groups - mechanical devices and modern control and management systems. The first group includes tools that allow you to correctly position and guide the workpiece. In desktop turning-milling machines for metal, such equipment increases the accuracy of processing and minimizes energy consumption. For example, a rotating center eliminates the runout of elongated parts. The device is fixed to the center of the tailstock and due to torsionbearings neutralizes excessive vibrations. An equally important function is performed by lunettes. Thanks to this mechanism, an additional support system is organized for elements whose length is 10 times or more greater than the diameter.
As for the control and management systems, they provide CNC equipment (computer numerical control). These are automatic and semi-automatic devices, designed practically for the robotic principle of operation with minimal operator participation. A similar control was used in Soviet metal lathes of the desktop and floor type. For example, the RT755F3 modification made it possible to carry out rough and fine boring of shaped, cylindrical and conical parts in a closed automated cycle.
Equipment performance features
Desktop units are characterized by modest performance and limitations in working with large-format workpieces. And even small parts are not subject to every machine because of the high-strength solid structure. But, there are also positive aspects of the use of such equipment. Small size allows you to save space, while ensuring the rigidity of fixation. The stability of the system just guarantees the possibility of precise processing without accidental shifts under vibrations. Most bench metal lathes also allow manual controls. This may be the regulation of the feed table, the supply and reception of the workpiece. Such control increases the reliability of processing responsible, but small in sizedetails.
Varieties of machines
Despite its small dimensions, the base of the desktop machine allows you to place several functional parts, providing a multifunctional workflow. On the market you can find models with screw-cutting equipment, revolving, milling and carousel modifications. The universal technique includes a screw-cutting unit, which allows, in addition to traditional turning operations, to perform thread-cutting tasks. In turn, the carousel versions make it possible to fasten massive workpieces due to the round table-faceplate. The desktop turning and milling machine for metal is also widespread, at the capacities of which the processing of shaped and flat surfaces, as well as gear elements, is allowed. According to the structural device, this is the most complex unit in the family. A revolving machine is designed for piece production of blanks of non-standard shape. It is more often used in workshops to make original parts with an emphasis on decorative qualities.
Chucks for fixing blanks
This is an indispensable part of any lathe, which determines the possibilities of working with certain parts. The universal clamping systems include a collet mechanism. It is usually used in work with rods and blanks that have a four- or six-sided shape. A chuck is used to process round parts. With such equipment, a desktop metal lathe captures elements with a diameter of 20 to 200 mm. The cartridge itself can have a caliber from 80 to400 mm on average. But regardless of the part gripping system, after some time it should be changed due to the natural deformation of surfaces under high physical stress.
Reviews about machine Jet BD-6 50001010M
A simple version of a lathe designed to perform simple operations on metal workpieces. The unit performs turning of parts with a diameter of up to 180 mm and a length of about 200 mm. The operator is provided with a wide range of adjustment values to change the speed of the spindle. The owners of the equipment themselves attribute compactness, high build quality and modest weight to its advantages. Like all JET benchtop metal lathes, this version also stands out from the competition with quiet operation and efficient vibration absorption. Disadvantages are also predictable for models of this class. In particular, professionals point to the weakness of the power base, which does not allow the machine to be used in the processing of solid workpieces for a long time without stopping. In general, this is a decent option for a small workshop and locksmith work in the garage.
Reviews about the machine Proma SM-250E
Also a decent quality unit, but of Polish origin. The model turned out to be small and light, but at the same time, low power should be taken into account - only 150 watts. In other words, the unit is more suitable not for volume production, but for high-precision processing of piece parts. According tousers, the SM-250E Bench Metal Lathe provides easy slide movement even when the workpiece is heavily loaded from the cutter. Obstacles are not felt, which indicates the balance of mechanics and power drive. The disadvantages include the extremely flimsy screen protection. To ensure safety from flying chips, more reliable panels will have to be designed.
Reviews about the machine "Encor Corvette-402"
Domestic model, the technical base of which is focused on the processing of not only metal blanks, but also wood with plastic. Among the modes available for use, there are several options for turning, drilling and facing. The power of the equipment is already 750 W, so you can count on good performance. However, one should not overestimate the capabilities of this model either, since in terms of assembly it is still a Chinese metal lathe. The desktop platform, for example, can disappoint with strong vibrations, and the drive belt, as many owners note, does resemble analogues in office equipment. There is also criticism of the geometry of the cartridge, which is not distinguished by precision. But, despite these shortcomings, this machine can justify itself with wide cutting capabilities, backed by an automatic feed drive and a fairly powerful power plant.
Question of price
In general, such models correspond in price to full-length floor counterparts. So, if we talk about the premium segment, then the desktopa metal lathe in Moscow from a Jet supplier can cost about 100-120 thousand rubles. Representatives of the middle segment are estimated at 50-60 thousand rubles. For this money, you can count on a power of 400-500 W, as well as on modern functionality. The cheapest equipment of this class costs about 20 thousand rubles. These are lightweight mini-machines that perform the simplest operations of boring and drilling.
Machine instruction manual
Only turners of appropriate qualifications with experience in performing targeted operations are allowed to work. Before starting the equipment, it is adjusted and the functional organs are checked. As indicated by the rules of operation in production, a desktop metal lathe must be sufficiently lubricated, fixed to a workbench and connected to a 220 V network. You should also make sure that the protective systems and devices are reliable. So that the workpiece does not break the fastening mechanism, the quality of the fixing equipment is also checked separately - the same cartridges for clamping. After processing, the machine is cleaned, again checked for the quality of fasteners and the degree of sharpening of cutting elements.
Conclusion
Desktop machines belong to a specific segment of semi-professional machining equipment. It is difficult to perceive such units as full-fledged production tools, but in the domestic sphere they are used only in exceptional cases. And it's not even about the tasks that desktop metal lathes solve, but about prices - even the entry level in20-30 thousand rubles not available to every home master. However, if work with small-format metal parts is done regularly, then there is a sense in such an investment. Moreover, there is simply no suitable alternative in the segment of hand-held power tools to such machines. In any case, if we compare tools in terms of processing quality, ergonomics and functionality. We can only talk about competition with floor models, but this issue may already be before the workers of the factory.
