Super lathes.

[Retired]

Hi,

Whilst I'm waiting for a lathe to arrive I've been watching a couple of very interesting "you tube" videos;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=j87WW-jGmrU#!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=iKizLfzz7GM&NR=1

The big Super lathe can remove 20,000lbs of material per hour and runs without coolant. The tools for this lathe have 5" square shanks weighing 150lbs. The skip tool is brilliant as it allows intermittent cuts withdrawing the tool to avoid obstructions.

The Hardinge looks to be turning brass; please note how the chippings fly away; brass is terrible to turn as the chippings are razor sharp shards and get everywhere; I always end up with one of these shards embedded in a finger giving me electric shocks every time I handle something; cleaning the lathe after turning brass is unpleasant; the actual turning of brass is very easy as it machines freely and leaves a beautiful finish.

These are indeed super lathes and will never be found in a home workshop; not even mine.

I find watching these kind of videos to be much better than watching TV.

Kind regards, Col.

[AlanBeckett]

Interesting propaganda, but I bet Dean Smith & Grace would give them an argument.

http://www.deansmithandgrace.co.uk/index.php

Alan

[ed731pdh]

We have a pair of these on the ED as part of the resistance and weak field camshaft units, god help if we ever had to get a new one made up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmgrpC0WIPU&feature=related