Without a lathe, not onemetalworking production of the full cycle. Such equipment allows performing drilling, turning, trimming, corrugating, etc. operations. The main purpose is to work with details in the forms of bodies of revolution, but there are also multifunction units with a wider range of tasks. In this case, the desktop metal lathe is a light version of the full-format production models of this segment. Due to its small size, its use is possible in small workshops and in the household.
Optimization of the design has a natural effect onpower capacity, so do not project the capabilities of an ordinary industrial machine tool on this segment of metalworking machinery. For example, the average power of desktop lathe units is 400-650 watts. This is enough to work with small billets. The choice should pay attention to the overall dimensions, because this configuration is often preferred because of reasons of space saving. Thus, 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 bench base. Nevertheless, even mini-lathes for metal handle most of the standard blanks with a diameter of 10-20 cm. The desktop unit of this type has a small bed and a modest capacity of up to 300 watts, but as a turning can win even the full-format analogues. For example, roughing is performed at a feed rate of 0.4-0.7 mm / rev. with a cutting of 4-5 mm in depth. Modes of work in fine cutting for accuracy can reach 0.7-1 mm. The speed will be lower - about 0.2 mm / rev.
The implementation of auxiliary devices canconditionally divided into two groups - mechanical devices and modern control and control systems. The first group includes means that allow you to correctly position and direct the workpieces. In desktop turning and milling machines for metal, such equipment improves the accuracy of processing and minimizes energy consumption. For example, the rotating center excludes the beating of elongated parts. The device is fixed to the center of the tailstock and due to the torsion of the bearings neutralizes excessive vibrations. No less important function is performed by lunettes. Thanks to this mechanism, an additional support system is provided for the elements, whose length is 10 times or more larger than the diameter.
Regarding control and control systems,They provide equipment with numerical control (numerical control). These are automata and semi-automatons, designed almost to the robotic principle of working with minimal operator involvement. Such a management was used even in Soviet lathes for metal table and floor type. For example, the modification PT755F3 allowed in a closed automated cycle to carry out a roughing and finishing boring of shaped, cylindrical and conical parts.
Desktop units are characterized by a modestproductivity and restrictions on working with large-format workpieces. And even small parts are not subject to each machine because of a 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 desktop metal turning lathes allow manual controls. This can be the regulation of the feed table, feed and reception of the workpiece. Such control increases the reliability of handling critical, but small-sized parts.
Despite the small size, the base of the desktopThe machine allows to place several functional bodies, providing multifunctional working process. On the market you can find models with screw-cutting equipment, turret, milling and carousel modifications. The universal technology includes a screw-cutting unit, which allows, in addition to traditionally turning operations, to perform thread-cutting tasks. In turn, carousel versions provide the ability to fix massive workpieces at the expense of a round table-faceplate. A table-top lathe and milling machine for metal is also widely used, at the capacities of which it is allowed to process shaped and flat surfaces, as well as toothed elements. According to the structural device, this is the most complex unit in the family. A piece of turret is used for single-piece production of preforms of non-standard form. It is often used in workshops to perform original parts with an emphasis on decorative qualities.
This is an indispensable part of any lathe,It determines the possibilities of working with these or other details. To universal clamping systems can be attributed collet mechanism. It is usually used in work with rods and blanks having a four- or hexagonal shape. For the machining of round parts, a cam chuck is used. With this equipment, the desktop lathe for metal grasps elements with a diameter of 20 to 200 mm. The cartridge itself can have a caliber from 80 to 400 mm on average. But regardless of the part gripping system, after a while it should be changed due to the natural deformation of surfaces under high physical loads.
A simple version of a lathe designedto perform simple operations with metal blanks. The unit produces turning 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 for changing the frequency of the spindle operation. Owners of equipment to its pluses include compactness, high quality of assembly and modest mass. Like all desktop lathes for metal JET, this version also differs from competitors in quiet operation and efficient absorption of vibrations. 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 billets for a long time without stopping. In general, this is a worthy option for a small workshop and locksmith work in the garage.
Also worthy of the quality of the unit, but alreadyof Polish origin. The model turned out to be small and light, but at the same time one should take into account a small power - only 150 W. In other words, the unit will do rather not for volumetric production, but for high-precision processing of piece parts. According to users, the desktop turning lathe for metal SM-250E provides an easy stroke of the support, even with a high load on the part from the cutter. Obstacles are not felt, which indicates a balance of mechanics and power drive. By the same disadvantages are extremely flimsy screen protection. To ensure safety from flying chips, it is necessary to design more reliable panels.
Domestic model, the technical base of whichis oriented to processing not only metal blanks, but also wood with plastic. Among the modes available for use, there are several variants of turning, drilling and facing. The capacity of the equipment is already 750 W, so you can count on good performance. However, to overestimate the capabilities of this model, too, should not, as for the assembly it is still a Chinese metal lathe. A desktop platform, for example, can disappoint with strong vibrations, and the drive belt, as many owners note, even resembles analogs in office equipment. There is also criticism of the geometry of the cartridge, which does not differ in precision. But, despite these shortcomings, this machine can justify itself with wide cutting possibilities, backed up by an automatic feed drive and a rather powerful power plant.
In general, such models correspond to the costfull-size outdoor analogues. So, if we talk about the premium segment, then the desktop metal lathe in Moscow from the 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 watts, as well as modern functionality. The cheapest equipment of this class is about 20 thousand rubles. These are light mini-machines that perform simple boring and drilling operations.
To work only turners are allowedcorresponding to the qualification, having experience in performing targeted operations. Before starting the equipment, it is set up and tested by the functional bodies. As indicated by the rules of operation in production, the desktop metal lathe should be sufficiently lubricated, fixed on a workbench and connected to a 220 V network. Also, make sure that the protective systems and devices are reliable. To ensure that the workpiece does not break the fastening mechanism, the quality of the fixing rig - the same cartridges for clamping - is checked separately. After processing the machine is cleaned, again checked for the quality of the fasteners and the degree of sharpening of the cutting elements.
Desktop machines are specificsegment semi-professional processing equipment. Such units are difficult to perceive as full-fledged production tools, but they are used in the domestic sphere only in exceptional cases. And it's not even in the tasks that are solved by desktop lathes for metal, and in prices - even the initial level of 20-30 thousand rubles. not available to every home master. However, if you work with small-format metal parts regularly, then there is a sense in such an investment. Moreover, such a machine simply does not exist as a suitable alternative in the segment of a hand power tool. In any case, if you compare tools for the quality of processing, ergonomics and functionality. It can only go about competition with outdoor models, but this issue may already be in front of factory workers.
