~A
LATHE FOR BOWL TURNERS
Designed
in conjunction with Keith Adams, a very talented professional Bowl Turner,
the Vega 2600 is made specifically for Bowl Turning, with the capacity for
very large workpieces. We have paid particular attention to a design that
provides great resistance to oscillation (Gross Low Frequency Vibration).
All loaded components must also be designed to resist higher frequency
vibration when turning heavy and greatly unbalanced blanks. The Vega 2600
has a drive system that provides very low RPM's, very high torque and
continuously variable speed. Another very important objective is to provide
an outstanding value to our customers.
~CONTROLLING
VIBRATION AND OSCILLATION
Excessive vibration and oscillation become a problem when turning large and
unbalanced shapes. While low RPM's are essential, having great mass
properly placed and to use the best materials is equally critical. The most
effective placement of mass is around the spindle center. Adding weight to
the Lathe at any location helps, but as its distance from the center of the
rotating turning increases, its effectiveness rapidly decreases. Adding
weight to the base of a Lathe helps, but mainly to prevent walking or
toppling. Materials to a lesser degree also affect vibration, mainly at
higher frequencies. Cast Iron is somewhat better than steel in absorbing
vibration, but concrete is 20 times better than cast iron. The Headstock on
the 2600 is a 64-pound rectangular steel tube filled with 100 pounds of
concrete. This combination has the very high strength of steel, and the
unusually effective vibration absorbing capacity of concrete, with lots of
mass surrounding the spindle.
~RIGDITY
(LACK OF DEFLECTION)
All
components that are subject to rapidly varying load need to be very rigid,
as any deflection causes vibration. Steel (being almost twice a stiff as
Grey Iron) is frequently the optimum choice. Shape is also a very important
consideration in machine design in order to reduce vibration.
~CONVENIENCE
(ERGONOMETRIC DESIGN)
Turning
large bowls can be quite physically demanding. Good Lathe design can reduce
these demands considerably. Hollowing out bowls is particularly demanding
if it requires leaning over a Lathe Bed. The design of the 2600 yields an
exceedingly comfortable machine to use.
~PENDANT
CONTROL
The
Electrical Control is mounted on a pivoting pendant arm, making it
convenient for all turning operations.
~AC
MOTOR (standard)
(1.5 HP,
or phase 3)
The AC
Drive model has a low and a high speed range. Spindle Speed is continuously
variable in both high and low range by means of a hand crank. Speed in a
low range is 160 to 425 RPM. High range speed is 800 to 2200 RPM. A
reversing drum switch is located on the pendant arm for Forward / Off /
Reverse.
~DC
DRIVE (optional)
(1.5 HP,
220 volt 1 phase)
DC
motors can rotate a workpiece at very low RPM's, but the spindle torque will
be very low compared to running the motor faster. Consequently we utilize a
compound belt reduction, in combination with the DC motor/controller, to
provide very high torque at very low speeds. 5/8", "B" section Vee Belts
are used for very effective power transmission.
The DC
motor controller (mounted on the pendant) features a rotary speed control
dial, spindle reversing switch and motor brake. Speed range is from 0 to
425 in the low range and 0 to 2520 in the high range.
~TOOL
REST ASSEMBLY
The Tool
Rest Base is fabricated from two 1 1/4" square steel bars for extreme
stiffness. It weighs 17# and is surface ground for predictable and smooth
motion. Locking of the base is achieved by cam action using the extra long
pivoting tee handle. The Tool Rest has a 1 1/4" shank welded to heavy steel
cross bars, yielding great stiffness…they will never break (GUARANTEED).
~GUARDING
The 2600
Lathe is supplied with heavy Steel Mesh Guard that offers a great deal of
protection. It may be removed or swung out of the way for spindle access.
WE RECOMMEND USING GUARDS FOR ALL TURNING!
~LATHE
SPINDLE
The
spindle is 1-1/4" diameter, supported by three (3) sealed for life ball
bearings. Thread size is 1-1/4"-8 tpi.
~TAILSTOCK
The 2600
Tailstock is designed so that it can be easily removed, when not required,
by backing out of the 5/8" clamping bolt. No wrench is required. With the
Tailstock removed only the short 16" bed remains between the Turner and the
spindle. This gives the same access to the work as in OD turning. The
Tailstock Spindle is #2 MT with a total travel of 9". The Live Center is
adjustable from 6" to 15" away from the Headstock Spindle Nose.
~LATHE
BED
The
Lathe Bed is an unusually wide 13 inches that completely supports the Tool
Rest Base for most work. It is made from 3/4" thick, surface ground steel.
~STANDARD
EQUIPMENT
4" Face Plate
Spur Center
Live Tailstock Center
12" Tool Rest
Spanner Wrench
AC Motor / Reversing Switch
~ACCESSORIES
Round Bar Tool Rest
6" Face Plate
8" Face Plate
Bowl Tool Rest
Tail Stock Spindle Extension
Inside Bowl Tool Rest
~TAILSTOCK
REMOVED
Removing
the Tailstock allows for excellent accessibility to the Spindle. Much
emphasis has been placed on making this machine comfortable and easy to use.
~TRANSMISSION
A pair
of 7.5" diameter pulleys and jackshaft, coupled with adequate horsepower
provides the power for this Lathe. Easy access to the belts makes for easy
changes from high to low range. A Hand Crank adjusts the speed of AC Motor
Lathes and allows shifting from high to low range on both AC and DC models.
