Precision Turning Accessory?

[Rob Leslie]

I'm not sure what it is called, but I'm trying to find an attachment for a Powermatic 3520B that would simulate the action on a metal lathe (i.e. two axes of motion on the cutter controlled by two knobs). If anyone is aware of such an attachment/accessory and sources, I sure would appreciate it.

Thanks,

Rob

[Paul Engle]

Rob , are you refering to a compound slide or a concave/convex attachment? Simple compound would allow you to precision cut on one or two axis's and precision taper also ( would require a swivel base )?

[Rob Leslie]

Here's an example from a metal turning lathe being used for turning wood. It uses the "etch-a-sketch" approach. I have seen one set up on a wood lathe but don't know where to locate them......

[Tom Keen]

I think you are looking for a cross slide or compound slide. Standard on metal turning lathes. You may be able to find one that can be made to work on your wood lathe..though one big enough for the swing on a powermatic might be $$$.

the nova people make this cross slide:
www.teknatool.com/products/Specialised/ornamental.htm

Ive also seen pictures of homemade slides that have been made for wood lathes. I did a quick google and found lots of links try googling "cross slide ornamental turning"

and finally this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee_5-TOA3iY

Best,
Tom

[Andrew Derhammer]

You might have mistaken a duplicator for an actual compound. http://www.vegawoodworking.com/

[Gary Herrmann]

Someone told me the Teknatool ornamental attachment will work with a 3520b, but shimming is required. How much, I have no idea.

[Paul Engle]

Yep, what Rob showed is the compound on a metal lathe, compounds come in single and double axis , most on smaller lathes only travel one axis and the other axis is the apron / slide the compound bolts to and travels via a lead screw timed to the spindle and gearing in the head stock. There are several ways to go about it , I use a Hardinge Tool makers compound ( 2 axis) to do OT index work, I also use it to make parts and other tooling just using my Jet 1236, I made bit holders using the Hardinge, machined and bored the holder on the Jet and got less than .0010 taper over 3 inches used the Jet like a Horizontal mill to make the spindle head for the OT and other various parts either using the Jet hs as tool holder or SN2 chuck to hold / rotate the part and use the compound to cut the part , so it is possible to use a wood lathe to turn metal ( I have vs dc motor) but you have to have the compound w/swivel base to cut dead paralell ( less than .001 " taper over 5 inches ) to the spindle axis , very little run out on the spindle, good bearings and keep the speed/s down to under 400 rpm, take .020" cut orless and finish cuts at .001" or less. Very time consuming but is doable.If you like , I can send you pictures of my set up, pm me.