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OCR
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Can You Turn a CUBE on a LATHE?
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In summary: It's largely a matter for definition, imo. If you put a morse 3 taper lathe chuck into the spindle of my toy vertical milling machine (and lay it on its side?), you've got yourself a lathe, afair.
- #2
jedishrfu
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I guess this is a late April Fools Day joke.
- #3
Baluncore
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Yes.OCR said:
But it will require mounting six times, once for each face.
1. You can hold the cube in a 4 jaw chuck, then face the end with a tool in the cross slide. Since the centre is not important, depending on what shape you start with, you might hold the work in a 3 jaw chuck.
2. You could clamp the cube to the cross slide, then face it with a cutter held in the chuck. But that would be more difficult to set up for accurate angled corners.
The example shown in the video shows multiple passes of a fly cutter. That suggests it was clamped to the cross slide, but more probably faced in a small milling machine.
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DaveC426913
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Not sure if Baluncore is deadpan riffing on joke, orBaluncore said:
What I saw was: A lathe. With a cube on it. Being turned.
- #5
Baluncore
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Repeatably, again and again.DaveC426913 said:
The example cube that turned up on the lathe was not turned up in the lathe.
How could I miss the opportunity to deliver deadpan, a couple of other obtuse ways it could be done, but in, not on the lathe. Can a lathe have obtuse ways, or is it only me ?
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DaveC426913
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Thought so.Baluncore said:
- #7
wirenut
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Yes, it is possible. See "machining a cube on a lathe" by machiningmomentsbrad on youtube.
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DaveC426913
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Yes, we know.wirenut said:
- #9
sophiecentaur
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It’s not as convenient to produce a ball on a vertical milling machine.
- #10
Baluncore
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But it is very easy to turn a ball on the bed of a vertical milling machine.sophiecentaur said:
A ball or a cube can be produced pretty much anywhere a magician turns up to remove the cover.wirenut said:
- #11
DaveC426913
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Machining a ball on a milling machine is functionally identical to machining a cube on a milling machine, except the number of remountings required is somewhat larger.
- #12
jedishrfu
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Here's a video on making a jig that can move the cutting tool in a circular manner.
- #13
Baluncore
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A tow ball can be made in one setting.DaveC426913 said:
At most, only one remount is needed for a full sphere.
Mount the workpiece in an indexed head, with axis at a slope to the bed, or head tilted.
A single point cutter, offset by slightly less than the ball radius is mounted in the spindle to cut a circle on the ball surface.
While spindle turns cutter, slowly rotate the index head until you have a sphere.
A single point cutter, offset by slightly less than the ball radius is mounted in the spindle to cut a circle on the ball surface.
While spindle turns cutter, slowly rotate the index head until you have a sphere.
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- #14
Baluncore
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Pictures help explain the geometry of generating a sphere in a milling machine.
https://www.ctemag.com/news/articles/generating-spherical-surfaces
https://www.ctemag.com/news/articles/generating-spherical-surfaces
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sophiecentaur
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Some interesting (and typically PF) responses here. 
I hope you all enjoyed that bit of nonsense.
It's largely a matter for definition, imo. If you put a morse 3 taper lathe chuck into the spindle of my toy vertical milling machine (and lay it on its side?), you've got yourself a lathe, afair. It could be argued that the workpiece rotates in a lathe and the cutters rotate in a mill - hence my use of the word "convenient".
I hope you all enjoyed that bit of nonsense.It's largely a matter for definition, imo. If you put a morse 3 taper lathe chuck into the spindle of my toy vertical milling machine (and lay it on its side?), you've got yourself a lathe, afair. It could be argued that the workpiece rotates in a lathe and the cutters rotate in a mill - hence my use of the word "convenient".
FAQ: Can You Turn a CUBE on a LATHE?
1. Can a cube be turned on a lathe?
Yes, a cube can be turned on a lathe. However, it may require some additional steps and techniques compared to turning a cylindrical object.
2. What is the process for turning a cube on a lathe?
The process for turning a cube on a lathe involves securing the cube to the lathe using a chuck or other holding device, and then using various tools to remove material and shape the cube into a desired form.
3. Are there any special tools or techniques required for turning a cube on a lathe?
Yes, there are some specialized tools and techniques that may be required for turning a cube on a lathe. This may include using a four-jaw chuck, a faceplate, or specialized cutting tools for creating sharp corners and edges.
4. What types of materials can be used for turning a cube on a lathe?
A variety of materials can be used for turning a cube on a lathe, including wood, metal, and plastic. However, some materials may be more difficult to work with and may require different techniques and tools.
5. Is turning a cube on a lathe a difficult process?
Turning a cube on a lathe can be a challenging process, especially for beginners. It requires a good understanding of the lathe and its tools, as well as proper techniques for securing and shaping the cube. With practice and patience, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.